Formulation of dual cycloxygenase (cox) and lipoxygenase (lox) inhibitors for mammal skin care

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compounds—Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans—for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with the skin. This composition of matter simultaneously inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymatic activity in normal, aged and damaged dermal cells and tissues. This invention further provides a method for the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions of the skin mediated by cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). The method for preventing and treating COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions of the skin is comprised of topically administering to a host in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multiple plants, preferably in the  Scutellaria  and  Acacia  genus of plants and pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable carriers. Finally the present invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment of COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions, including but not limited to sun burns, thermal burns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused by fungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammal skin cancers, skin damage resulting from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dry environments, wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and dark circles around the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditions of the skin. Use of the composition described herein also affords the benefit of smooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity, reduced and delayed aging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, and increased flexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a method for the prevention andtreatment of diseases and conditions mediated by cyclooxygenase (COX)and lipoxygenase (LOX). Specifically, the present invention relates to anovel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of a blend of twospecific classes of compounds—Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans—for usein the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions of the skinmediated by the COX and LOX pathways. Included in the present inventionis a method for the prevention and treatment of COX and LOX mediateddiseases and conditions, including but not limited to sun burns, thermalburns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused byfungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupuserythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammalskin cancers, skin damage resulting from exposure to ultraviolet (UV)radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dry environments, wrinkles, saggyskin, lines and dark circles around the eyes, dermatitis and otherallergy related conditions of the skin. Use of the composition describedherein also affords the benefit of smooth and youthful skin withimproved elasticity, reduced and delayed aging, enhanced youthfulappearance and texture, and increased flexibility, firmness, smoothnessand suppleness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sunlight has a significant effect on the skin causing premature aging,skin cancer and a host of other skin changes such as erythema andtanning. The majority of the damage caused by sunlight is attributed toultraviolet (UV) radiation, which has a wavelength from 200 nm to 400nm. Ultraviolet radiation is divided into three categories, UVA, UVB orUVC, depending on wavelength. UVA, which has a wavelength range from320-400 nm, can cause tanning and mild sunburn. UVB, which has awavelength range from 290-320 nm, can cause sunburn and stimulatepigmentation. UVC, which has a wavelength range from 100-290 nm, cancause damage but not tanning. Exposure of the skin to UV radiationinduces biphasic reactions. Thus, upon initial exposure an immediateerythema reaction occurs, which is a weak reaction that fades within 30minutes. A delayed erythema reaction occurs after 2-5 hours of exposureand peaks around 10-24 hours. Enhanced prostaglandin and leukotrieneproduction are the major mechanisms of action for UV, sun andchemical/thermal caused erythema. (Wang (2002) Adv. Dermatol. 18:247).

The liberation and metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) from the cellmembrane results in the generation of pro-inflammatory metabolites byseveral different pathways. Arguably, two of the most important pathwaysto inflammation are mediated by the enzymes lipoxygenase (LOX) andcyclooxygenase (COX). These are parallel pathways that result in thegeneration of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, respectively, which playimportant roles in the initiation and progression of the inflammatoryresponse. These vasoactive compounds are chemotaxins, which both promoteinfiltration of inflammatory cells into tissues and serve to prolong theinflammatory response. Consequently, the enzymes responsible forgenerating these mediators of inflammation have become the targets inthe current invention to develop topically administered therapeuticagents aimed at the dual inhibition of inflammation resulting from bothpathways which contribute to the physiological and pathologicalprocesses of diseases and conditions such as sun burn, thermal burns,scald, acne, topical wounds, lupus erythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma,melanoma, and other mammalian skin cancers.

Inhibition of the COX enzyme is the mechanism of action attributed tomost nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). There are twodistinct isoforms of the COX enzyme (COX-1 and COX-2), which shareapproximately 60% sequence homology, but differ in expression profilesand function. COX-1 is a constitutive form of the enzyme that has beenlinked to the production of physiologically important prostaglandins,which help regulate normal physiological functions, such as plateletaggregation, protection of cell function in the stomach and maintenanceof normal kidney function. (Dannhardt and Kiefer (2001) Eur. J. Med.Chem. 36:109-26). The second isoform, COX-2, is a form of the enzymethat is inducible by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and other growth factors. (Herschmann (1994) Cancer MetastasisRev. 134:241-56; Xie et al. (1992) Drugs Dev. Res. 25:249-65). Thisisoform catalyzes the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2) fromarachidonic acid (AA). Inhibition of COX is responsible for theanti-inflammatory activity of conventional NSAIDs.

Inhibitors that demonstrate dual specificity for COX and LOX would havethe obvious benefit of inhibiting multiple pathways of arachidonic acidmetabolism. Such inhibitors would block the inflammatory effects ofprostaglandins (PG), as well as, those of multiple leukotrienes (LT) bylimiting their production. This includes the vasodilation,vasopermeability and chemotactic effects of PGE2, LTB4, LTD4 and LTE4,also known as the slow reacting substance of anaphalaxis. Of these, LTB4has the most potent chemotactic and chemokinetic effects. (Moore (1985)in Prostanoids: pharmacological, physiological and clinical relevance,Cambridge University Press, N.Y., pp. 229-230).

Because the mechanism of action of COX inhibitors overlaps that of mostconventional NSAID's, COX inhibitors are used to treat many of the samesymptoms, including pain and swelling associated with inflammation intransient conditions and chronic diseases in which inflammation plays acritical role. Transient conditions include treatment of inflammationassociated with minor abrasions or contact dermatitis, as well as, skinconditions that are directly associated with the prostaglandin andleukotriene pathways, such as skin hyperpigmentation, age spots,vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma,and other mammalian skin cancers. The use of COX inhibitors has beenexpanded to include diseases, such as systemic lupus erythromatosus(SLE) (Goebel et al. (1999) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 12:488-500; Patrono etal. (1985) J. Clin. Invest. 76:1011-1018), as well as, rheumatic skinconditions, such as scleroderma. COX inhibitors are also used for therelief of inflammatory skin conditions that are not of rheumatic origin,such as psoriasis, in which reducing the inflammation resulting from theoverproduction of prostaglandins could provide a direct benefit. (Foghet al. (1993) Acta Derm Venerologica 73:191-193). Recently overexpression of 5-lipoxygenase in the skin of patients with systemsclerosis has been reported. This has led to the suggestion that the LOXpathway may be of significance in the pathogenesis of system sclerosisand may represent a valid therapeutic target. (Kowal-Bielecka (2001)Arthritis Rheum. 44(8):1865). Finally, the increased enzymatic activityof both the COX-2 and 5-LOX at the site of allergen injections suggeststhe potential for using dual COX/LOX inhibitors to treat the symptoms ofboth the early and late phases of the skin allergic response. (Church(2002) Clin. Exp. Allergy. 32(7):1013).

Topical application of a selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor has beenshown to suppress UVB mediated cutaneous inflammation following bothacute and long-term exposure. Additionally, edema, dermal neutrophilinfiltration and activation, PGE2 levels and the formation of sunburncells were reduced by the topical application of a COX inhibitor.(Wilgus (2000) Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 62(4):367). The COXinhibitor Celebrex™ has been shown to reduce the effects of UV inducedinflammation when administered systematically (Wilgus et al. (2002) Adv.Exp. Med. Biol. 507:85), and topically (Wilgus et al. (2000)Protaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 62:367). In animal models, the knownCOX inhibitor aspirin and various lipoxygenase inhibitors exhibitedvasoprotective activity against inflammation and vasodepressionresulting from UV irradiation. (Kuhn (1988) Biomed. Biochim. Acta.47:S320). Acute or long-term chronic UV exposure causes skin damage andphotoageing that are characterized by degradation of collagen andaccumulation of abnormal elastin in the superficial dermis. A dualCOX/LOX inhibitor can be utilized to prevent and treat collagendegradation caused by inflammatory infiltration by significantlyreducing the vasodilating, vasopermeability, chemotactic andchemotaxins-prostaglandins (PG), as well as, those of multipleleukotrienes (LT). (Bosset (2003) Br. J. Dermatol. 149(4):826; Hase(2000) Br. J. Dermatol. 142(2):267). Additionally, chemically inducedoxidative stress in mouth skin can be inhibited by separatelyadministrating COX and LOX inhibitors to reduce leukocyte adhesion,infiltration and H₂O₂ generation. (Nakamura (2003) Free Radical Biol.Med. 35(9):997).

In addition to their use as anti-inflammatory agents, another potentialrole for COX inhibitors is in the treatment of cancer. Over expressionof COX has been demonstrated in various human malignancies andinhibitors of COX have been shown to be efficacious in the treatment ofanimals with skin tumors. While the mechanism of action is notcompletely understood, the over expression of COX has been shown toinhibit apoptosis and increase the invasiveness of tumorgenic celltypes. (Dempke et al. (2001) J. Can. Res. Clin. Oncol. 127:411-17; Mooreand Simmons (2000) Current Med. Chem. 7:1131-1144). Up regulated COXproduction has been implicated in the generation of actinic keratosisand squamous cell carcinoma in skin. Increased amounts of COX were alsofound in lesions produced by DNA damage. (Buckman et al. (1998)Carcinogenesis 19:723). Therefore, control of expression or proteinfunction of COX would seem to lead to a decrease in the inflammatoryresponse and the eventual progression to cancer. In fact, COX inhibitorssuch as indomethacin and Celebrex™ have been found to be effective intreating UV induced erythema and tumor formation. (Fischer (1999) Mol.Carcinog. 25:231; Pentland (1999) Carcinogenesis 20:1939). Recently, theover expression of lipoxygenase has also been shown to be related toepidermal tumor development (Muller (2002) Cancer Res. 62(16):4610) andmelanoma carcinogenesis (Winer (2002) Melanoma Res. 12(5):429). Thearachidonic acid (AA) metabolites generated from lipoxygenase pathwaysplay important roles in tumor growth related signal transductionsuggesting that that the inhibition of lipoxygenase pathways should be avalid target to prevent cancer progression. (Cuendet (2000) Drug MetabolDrug Interact 17(4):109; Steele (2003) Mutat Res. 523-524:137). Thus,the use of therapeutic agents having dual COX/LOX inhibitory activityoffers significant advantages in the chemoprevention of cancer.

Prostaglandins and leukotrienes also play important roles in thephysiological and pathological processes of wounds, burns, scald, acne,microbial infections, dermatitis, and many other diseases and conditionsof the skin. The activation of a pro-inflammatory cascade after thermalor chemical burns with significantly elevated cyclooxygenase andlipoxygenase activities are well documented and play an important rolein the development of subsequent severe symptoms and immune dysfunctionthat may lead to multiple organ failure. (Schwacha (2003) Burns 29(1):1;He (2001) J. Burn Care Rehabil. 22(1):58).

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit with abnormalities in sebumproduction, follicular epithelial desquamation, bacterial proliferationand inflammation. The inflammatory properties of acne can be detected bypolarized light photography and utilized for clinical diagnosis,including an evaluation of the extent of the acne and also to determinethe effectiveness of therapy. (Phillips (1997) J. Am. Acad. Dermatol.37(6):948). Current therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatmentof acne include anti-inflammatory agents, like retinoids, antimicrobialagents and hormonal drugs. (Leyden (2003) J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 49(3Suppl):5200). Topical application of anti-inflammatory drugs, such asretinoids (Millikan (2003) J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 4(2):75) and the COXinhibitor salicylic acid (Lee (2003) Dermatol Surg 29(12):1196) havebeen clinically demonstrated as an effective and safe therapy for thetreatment of acne. Additionally, the use of nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well documented as therapeuticagents for common and uncommon dermatoses, including acne, psoriasis,sun burn, erythema nodosum, cryoglobulinemia, Sweet's syndrome, systemicmastocytosis, urticarial, liverdoid and nodular vasculitis. (Friedman(2002) J. Cutan Med. Surg. 6(5):449).

Flavonoids or bioflavonoids are a widely distributed group of naturalproducts, which have been reported to have antibacterial,anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimutagenic, antiviral,antineoplastic, anti-thrombic and vasodilatory activity. The structuralunit common to this group of compounds includes two benzene rings oneither side of a 3-carbon ring as illustrated by the following generalstructural formula:

Various combinations of hydroxyl groups, sugars, oxygen and methylgroups attached to this general three ring structure create the variousclasses of flavonoids, which include flavanols, flavones, flavan-3-ols(catechins), anthocyanins and isoflavones.

Free-B-Ring flavones and flavonols are a specific class of flavonoids,which have no substituent groups on the aromatic B ring (referred toherein as Free-B-Ring flavonoids), as illustrated by the followinggeneral structure:

wherein

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of —H, —OH, —SH, OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺X⁻, acarbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur, glycoside of a single or acombination of multiple sugars including, but not limited toaldopentoses, methyl-aldopentose, aldohexoses, ketohexose and theirchemical derivatives thereof;

wherein

R is an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and

X is selected from the group of pharmaceutically acceptable counteranions including, but not limited to hydroxyl, chloride, iodide,fluoride, sulfate, phosphate, acetate, carbonate, etc.

Free-B-Ring flavonoids are relatively rare. Out of 9,396 flavonoidssynthesized or isolated from natural sources, only 231 Free-B-Ringflavonoids are known (The Combined Chemical Dictionary, Chapman &Hall/CRC, Version 5:1 Jun. 2001). Free-B-Ring flavonoids have beenreported to have diverse biological activity. For example, galangin(3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) acts as antioxidant and free radical scavengerand is believed to be a promising candidate for anti-genotoxicity andcancer chemoprevention. (Heo et al. (2001) Mutat. Res. 488(2):135-150).It is an inhibitor of tyrosinase monophenolase (Kubo et al. (2000)Bioorg. Med. Chem. 8(7):1749-1755), an inhibitor of rabbit heartcarbonyl reductase (Imamura et al. (2000) J. Biochem. 127(4):653-658),has antimicrobial activity (Afolayan and Meyer (1997) Ethnopharmacol.57(3):177-181) and antiviral activity (Meyer et al. (1997) J.Ethnopharmacol. 56(2):165-169). Baicalein and two other Free-B-Ringflavonoids, have antiproliferative activity against human breast cancercells. (So et al. (1997) Cancer Lett. 112(2):127-133).

Typically, flavonoids have been tested for biological activity randomlybased upon their availability. Occasionally, the requirement ofsubstitution on the B-ring has been emphasized for specific biologicalactivity, such as the B-ring substitution required for high affinitybinding to p-glycoprotein (Boumendjel et al. (2001) Bioorg. Med. Chem.Lett. 11(1):75-77); cardiotonic effect (Itoigawa et al. (1999) J.Ethnopharmacol. 65(3): 267-272), protective effect on endothelial cellsagainst linoleic acid hydroperoxide-induced toxicity (Kaneko and Baba(1999) Biosci Biotechnol. Biochem 63(2):323-328), COX-1 inhibitoryactivity (Wang (2000) Phytomedicine 7:15-19) and prostaglandinendoperoxide synthase (Kalkbrenner et al. (1992) Pharmacology44(1):1-12). Only a few publications have mentioned the significance ofthe unsubstituted B ring of the Free-B-Ring flavonoids. One example, isthe use of 2-phenyl flavones, which inhibit NADPH quinone acceptoroxidoreductase, as potential anticoagulants. (Chen et al. (2001)Biochem. Pharmacol. 61(11):1417-1427).

The mechanism of action with respect to the anti-inflammatory activityof various Free-B-Ring flavonoids has been controversial. Theanti-inflammatory activity of the Free-B-Ring flavonoids, chrysin (Lianget al. (2001) FEBS Lett. 496(1):12-18), wogonin (Chi et al. (2001)Biochem. Pharmacol. 61:1195-1203) and halangin (Raso et al. (2001) LifeSci. 68(8):921-931), has been associated with the suppression ofinducible cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase via activation ofperoxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and influenceon degranulation and AA release. (Tordera et al. (1994) Z. Naturforsch[C] 49:235-240). It has been reported that oroxylin, baicalein andwogonin inhibit 12-lipoxygenase activity without affectingcyclooxygenase. (You et al. (1999) Arch. Pharm. Res. 22(1):18-24). Morerecently, the anti-inflammatory activity of wogonin, baicalin andbaicalein has been reported as occurring through inhibition of induciblenitric oxide synthase and cox-2 gene expression induced by nitric oxideinhibitors and lipopolysaccharide. (Chen et al. (2001) Biochem.Pharmacol. 61(11):1417-1427). It has also been reported that oroxylinacts via suppression of NFκB activation. (Chen et al. (2001) Biochem.Pharmacol. 61(11):1417-1427). Finally, wogonin reportedly inhibitsinducible PGE2 production in macrophages. (Wakabayashi and Yasui (2000)Eur. J. Pharmacol. 406(3):477-481).

Inhibition of the phosphorylation of mitrogen-activated protein kinaseand inhibition of Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 induced PGE₂ release bybaicalein has been reported as the mechanism of anti-inflammatoryactivity of Scutellariae radix. (Nakahata et al. (1999) NipponYakurigaku Zasshi, 114, Supp. 11:215P-219P; Nakahata et al. (1998) Am.J. Chin Med. 26:311-323). Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis,reportedly inhibits superantigenic staphylococcal exotoxins stimulatedT-cell proliferation and production of IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosisfactor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). (Krakauer et al. (2001) FEBSLett. 500:52-55). Thus, the anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin hasbeen associated with inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines mediatedsignaling pathways activated by superantigens. However, it has also beenproposed that the anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin is due to thebinding of a variety of chemokines, which limits their biologicalactivity. (Li et al. (2000) Immunopharmacology 49:295-306). Recently,the effects of baicalin on adhesion molecule expression induced bythrombin and thrombin receptor agonist peptide (Kimura et al. (2001)Planta Med. 67:331-334), as well as, the inhibition of mitogen-activatedprotein kinase cascade (MAPK) (Nakahata et al. (1999) Nippon YakurigakuZasshi, 114, Supp 11:215P-219P; Nakahata et al. (1998) Am. J. Chin Med.26:311-323) have been reported.

The Chinese medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis containssignificant amounts of Free-B-Ring flavonoids, including baicalein,baicalin, wogonin and baicalenoside. Traditionally, this plant has beenused to treat a number of conditions including clearing away heat,purging fire, dampness-warm and summer fever syndromes; polydipsiaresulting from high fever; carbuncle, sores and other pyogenic skininfections; upper respiratory infections, such as acute tonsillitis,laryngopharyngitis and scarlet fever; viral hepatitis; nephritis;pelvitis; dysentery; hematemesis and epistaxis. This plant has alsotraditionally been used to prevent miscarriage. (Encyclopedia of ChineseTraditional Medicine, ShangHai Science and Technology Press, ShangHai,China, 1998). Clinically Scutellaria is now used to treat conditionssuch as pediatric pneumonia, pediatric bacterial diarrhea, viralhepatitis, acute gallbladder inflammation, hypertension, topical acuteinflammation, resulting from cuts and surgery, bronchial asthma andupper respiratory infections. (Encyclopedia of Chinese TraditionalMedicine, ShangHai Science and Technology Press, ShangHai, China, 1998).The pharmacological efficacy of Scutellaria roots for treating bronchialasthma is reportedly related to the presence of Free-B-Ring flavonoidsand their suppression of eotaxin associated recruitment of eosinophils.(Nakajima et al. (2001) Planta Med. 67(2):132-135).

To date, a number of naturally occurring Free-B-Ring flavonoids havebeen commercialized for varying uses. For example, liposome formulationsof Scutellaria extracts have been utilized for skin care (U.S. Pat. Nos.5,643,598; 5,443,983). Baicalin has been used for preventing cancer, dueto its inhibitory effects on oncogenes (U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,995).Baicalin and other compounds have been used as antiviral, antibacterialand immunomodulating agents (U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,921 and WO98/42363) andas natural anti-oxidants (WO98/49256 and Poland Pub. No. 9,849,256).Scutellaria baicalensis root extract has been formulated as asupplemental sun screen agent with additive effects of the cumulativeSPFs of each individual component in a topical formulation (WO98/19651).Chrysin has been used for its anxiety reducing properties (U.S. Pat. No.5,756,538). Anti-inflammatory flavonoids are used for the control andtreatment of anorectal and colonic diseases (U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,371),and inhibition of lipoxygenase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,875). Thesecompounds are also formulated with glucosamine collagen and otheringredients for repair and maintenance of connective tissue (U.S. Pat.No. 6,333,304). Flavonoid esters constitute active ingredients forcosmetic compositions (U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,294). U.S. application Ser.No. 10/091,362, filed Mar. 1, 2002, entitled “Identification ofFree-B-Ring Flavonoids as Potent COX-2 Inhibitors,” and U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/427,746, filed Jul. 22, 2003, entitled “Formulation of aMixture of Free-B-Ring Flavonoids and Flavans as a Therapeutic Agent”both disclose a method for inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme COX-2 byadministering a composition comprising a Free-B-Ring flavonoid or acomposition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to a host inneed thereof. This is the first report of a link between Free-B-Ringflavonoids and COX-2 inhibitory activity. These applications arespecifically incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Japanese Pat. No. 63027435, describes the extraction, and enrichment ofbaicalein and Japanese Pat. No. 61050921 describes the purification ofbaicalin.

Flavans include compounds illustrated by the following generalstructure:

wherein

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of —H, —OH, —SH, —OCH₃, —SCH₃, —OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NRH, —NR₂,—NR₃ ⁺X⁻, esters of the mentioned substitution groups, including, butnot limited to, gallate, acetate, cinnamoyl and hydroxyl-cinnamoylesters, trihydroxybenzoyl esters and caffeoyl esters, and their chemicalderivatives thereof; a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur glycoside of asingle or a combination of multiple sugars including, but not limitedto, aldopentoses, methyl aldopentose, aldohexoses, ketohexose and theirchemical derivatives thereof; dimer, trimer and other polymerizedflavans;

wherein

R is an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and

X is selected from the group of pharmaceutically acceptable counteranions including, but not limited to hydroxyl, chloride, iodide,sulfate, phosphate, acetate, fluoride, and carbonate, etc.

Catechin is a flavan, found primarily in green tea, having the followingstructure:

Catechin works both alone and in conjunction with other flavonoids foundin tea, and has both antiviral and antioxidant activity. Catechin hasbeen shown to be effective in the treatment of viral hepatitis. It alsoappears to prevent oxidative damage to the heart, kidney, lungs andspleen and has been shown to inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells.

Catechin and its isomer epicatechin inhibit prostaglandin endoperoxidesynthase with an IC₅₀ value of 40 μM. (Kalkbrenner et al. (1992)Pharmacol. 44:1-12). Five flavan-3-ol derivatives, including(+)-catechin and gallocatechin, isolated from four plant species: Atunaracemosa, Syzygium carynocarpum, Syzygium malaccense and Vantaneaperuviana, exhibit equal to weaker inhibitory activity against COX-2,relative to COX-1, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.3 μM to 138 μM(Noreen et al. (1998) Planta Med. 64:520-524). (+)-Catechin, isolatedfrom the bark of Ceiba pentandra, inhibits COX-1 with an IC₅₀ value of80 μM (Noreen et al. (1998) J. Nat. Prod. 61:8-12). Commerciallyavailable pure (+)-catechin inhibits COX-1 with an IC₅₀ value of around183 to 279 μM depending upon the experimental conditions, with noselectivity for COX-2. (Noreen et al. (1998) J. Nat. Prod. 61:1-7).

Green tea catechin, when supplemented into the diets of Sprague dawleymale rats, lowered the activity level of platelet PLA₂ and significantlyreduced platelet cyclooxygenase levels. (Yang et al. (1999) J. Nutr.Sci. Vitaminol. 45:337-346). Catechin and epicatechin reportedly weaklysuppress cox-2 gene transcription in human colon cancer DLD-1 cells(IC₅₀=415.3 μM). (Mutoh et al. (2000) Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 91:686-691).The neuroprotective ability of (+)-catechin from red wine results fromthe antioxidant properties of catechin, rather than inhibitory effectson intracellular enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, ornitric oxide synthase (Bastianetto et al. (2000) Br. J. Pharmacol.131:711-720). Catechin derivatives purified from green and black tea,such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC),epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), and theaflavins showed inhibition ofcyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase dependent metabolism of AA in humancolon mucosa and colon tumor tissues (Hong et al. (2001) Biochem.Pharmacol. 62:1175-1183) and induce cox-2 expression and PGE₂ production(Park et al. (2001) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 286:721-725).Epiafzelechin isolated from the aerial parts of Celastrus orbiculatusexhibited dose-dependent inhibition of COX-1 activity with an IC₅₀ valueof 15 μM and also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity againstcarrageenin-induced mouse paw edema following oral administration at adosage of 100 mg/kg. (Min et al. (1999) Planta Med. 65:460-462).

Acacia is a genus of leguminous trees and shrubs. The genus Acaciaincludes more than 1000 species belonging to the family of Leguminosaeand the subfamily of Mimosoideae. Acacias are distributed worldwide intropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, Africa,parts of Asia, as well as, Australia, which has the largest number ofendemic species. Acacias are very important economically, providing asource of tannins, gums, timber, fuel and fodder. Tannins, which areisolated primarily from bark, are used extensively for tanning hides andskins. Some Acacia barks are also used for flavoring local spirits. Someindigenous species like A. sinuata also yield saponins, which are any ofvarious plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitatedwith water. Saponins are used in detergents, foaming agents andemulsifiers. The flowers of some Acacia species are fragrant and used tomake perfume. The heartwood of many Acacias is used for makingagricultural implements and also provides a source of firewood. Acaciagums find extensive use in medicine and confectionary and as sizing andfinishing materials in the textile industry.

To date, approximately 330 compounds have been isolated from variousAcacia species. Flavonoids are the major class of compounds isolatedfrom Acacias. Approximately 180 different flavonoids have beenidentified, 111 of which are flavans. Terpenoids are second largestclass of compounds isolated from species of the Acacia genus, with 48compounds having been identified. Other classes of compounds isolatedfrom Acacia include, alkaloids (28), amino acids/peptides (20), tannins(16), carbohydrates (15), oxygen heterocycles (15) and aliphaticcompounds (10). (Buckingham, The Combined Chemical Dictionary, Chapman &Hall CRC, version 5:2, December 2001).

Phenolic compounds, particularly flavans are found in moderate to highconcentrations in all Acacia species. (Abdulrazak et al. (2000) Journalof Animal Sciences. 13:935-940). Historically, most of the plants andextracts of the Acacia genus have been utilized as astringents to treatgastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, indigestion and to stop bleeding.(Vautrin (1996) Universite Bourgogne (France) European abstract58-01C:177; Saleem et al. (1998) Hamdard Midicus. 41:63-67). The barkand pods of Acacia arabica Willd. contain large quantities of tanninsand have been utilized as astringents and expectorants. (Nadkarni (1996)India Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan, pp. 9-17).Diarylpropanol derivatives, isolated from stem bark of Acacia tortilisfrom Somalia, have been reported to have smooth muscle relaxing effects.(Hagos et al. (1987) Planta Medica. 53:27-31, 1987). It has also beenreported that terpenoid saponins isolated from Acacia victoriae have aninhibitory effect on dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced murine skincarcinogenesis (Hanausek et al. (2000) Proceedings American Associationfor Cancer Research Annual Meeting 41:663) and induce apotosis (Haridaset al. (2000) Proceedings American Association for Cancer ResearchAnnual Meeting. 41:600). Plant extracts from Acacia nilotica have beenreported to have spasmogenic, vasoconstrictor and anti-hypertensiveactivity (Amos et al. (1999) Phytotherapy Research 13:683-685; Gilani etal. (1999) Phytotherapy Research. 13:665-669), and antiplateletaggregatory activity (Shah et al. (1997) General Pharmacology.29:251-255). Anti-inflammatory activity has been reported for A.nilotica. It was speculated that flavonoids, polysaccharides and organicacids were potential active components. (Dafallah and Al-Mustafa (1996)American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 24:263-269). To date, the onlyreported 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor isolated from Acacia is amonoterpenoidal carboxamide (Seikine et al. (1997) Chemical andPharmaceutical Bulletin. 45:148-11).

The extract from the bark of Acacia has been patented in Japan forexternal use as a whitening agent (Abe, JP10025238), as a glucosyltransferase inhibitor for dental applications (Abe, JP07242555), as aprotein synthesis inhibitor (Fukai, JP 07165598), as an active oxygenscavenging agent for external skin preparations (Honda, JP 07017847,Bindra U.S. Pat. No. 6,1266,950), and as a hyaluronidase inhibitor fororal consumption to prevent inflammation, pollinosis and cough (Ogura,JP 07010768).

To date, Applicant is unaware of any reports of a formulation combiningonly Free-B-Ring-Flavonoids and flavans as the primary biologicallyactive components for the dual inhibition of the COX/LOX enzymes thatyield significant benefit to mammal skin conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes methods that are effective insimultaneously inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase(LOX) enzymes, for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases andconditions related to the skin. The method for the simultaneous dualinhibition of the COX and LOX enzymes is comprised administering,preferably topically, a composition comprised of a mixture ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from asingle plant or multiple plants to a host in need thereof. Thiscomposition of matter is referred to herein as Soliprin™. The efficacyof this method was demonstrated with purified enzymes, in different celllines, in multiple animal models and eventually in a human clinicalstudy. The ratio of the Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans in thecomposition can be in the range of 99.9:0.1 of Free-B-Ringflavonoids:flavans to 0.1:99.9 Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans. Inspecific embodiments of the present invention, the ratio of Free-B-Ringflavonoids to flavans is selected from the group consisting ofapproximately 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and10:90. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the ratio ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans in the composition of matter is 80:20. Ina preferred embodiment, the Free-B-Ring flavonoids are isolated from aplant or plants in the Scutellaria genus of plants and the flavans areisolated from a plant or plants in the Acacia genus of plants.

The present invention also includes methods for the prevention andtreatment of COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions of the skin.The method for preventing and treating COX and LOX mediated diseases andconditions of the skin is comprised of administering, preferablytopically, to a host in need thereof an effective amount of acomposition comprising a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavanssynthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multiple plants and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The ratio of the Free-B-Ringflavonoids to flavans in the composition can be in the range of 99.9:0.1of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans to 0.1:99.9 Free-B-Ringflavonoids:flavans. In specific embodiments of the present invention,the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans is selected from thegroup consisting of approximately 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50,40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and 10:90. In a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans in thecomposition of matter is 80:20. In a preferred embodiment, theFree-B-Ring flavonoids are isolated from a plant or plants in theScutellaria genus of plants and the flavans are isolated from a plant orplants in the Acacia genus of plants.

The Free-B-Ring flavonoids, also referred to herein as Free-B-Ringflavones and flavonols, that can be used in accordance with thefollowing invention include compounds illustrated by the followinggeneral structure:

wherein

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of —H, —OH, —SH, OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺X⁻, acarbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur, glycoside of a single or acombination of multiple sugars including, but not limited toaldopentoses, methyl-aldopentose, aldohexoses, ketohexose and theirchemical derivatives thereof;

wherein

R is selected from an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and

X is selected from the group of pharmaceutically acceptable counteranions including, but not limited to hydroxyl, chloride, iodide,sulfate, phosphate, acetate, fluoride, carbonate, etc.

The Free-B-Ring flavonoids of this invention may be obtained bysynthetic methods or extracted from the family of plants including, butnot limited to Annonaceae, Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Combretaceae,Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Labiatae, Lauranceae, Leguminosae, Moraceae,Pinaceae, Pteridaceae, Sinopteridaceae, Ulmaceae and Zingiberacea. TheFree-B-Ring flavonoids can be extracted, concentrated, and purified fromthe following genus of high plants, including but not limited to Desmos,Achyrocline, Oroxylum, Buchenavia, Anaphalis, Cotula, Gnaphalium,Helichrysum, Centaurea, Eupatorium, Baccharis, Sapium, Scutellaria,Molsa, Colebrookea, Stachys, Origanum, Ziziphora, Lindera, Actinodaphne,Acacia, Denis, Glycyrrhiza, Millettia, Pongamia, Tephrosia, Artocarpus,Ficus, Pityrogramma, Notholaena, Pinus, Ulmus and Alpinia.

The flavans that can be used in accordance with the following inventioninclude compounds illustrated by the following general structure:

wherein

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H, —OH, —SH, —OCH₃, —SCH₃, —OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NRH, —NR₂,—NR₃ ⁺X⁻, esters of the mentioned substitution groups, including, butnot limited to, gallate, acetate, cinnamoyl and hydroxyl-cinnamoylesters, trihydroxybenzoyl esters and caffeoyl esters; thereof carbon,oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur glycoside of a single or a combination ofmultiple sugars including, but not limited to, aldopentoses, methylaldopentose, aldohexoses, ketohexose and their chemical derivativesthereof; dimer, trimer and other polymerized flavans;

wherein

R is selected from an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and

X is selected from the group of pharmaceutically acceptable counteranions including, but not limited to hydroxyl, chloride, iodide,sulfate, phosphate, acetate, fluoride, carbonate, etc.

The flavans of this invention may be obtained from a plant or plantsselected from the genus of Acacia. In a preferred embodiment, the plantis selected from the group consisting of Acacia catechu, Acaciaconcinna, Acacia farnesiana, Acacia Senegal, Acacia speciosa, Acaciaarabica, A. caesia, A. pennata, A. sinuata. A. mearnsii, A. picnantha,A. dealbata, A. auriculiformis, A. holoserecia and A. mangium.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method forpreventing and treating a number of COX and LOX mediated diseases andconditions of the skin including, but not limited to sun burns, thermalburns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused byfungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupuserythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammalskin cancers. In another embodiment the present invention includes amethod for preventing and treating skin damage resulting from exposureto ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dryenvironments. In yet another embodiment the present invention includes amethod for preventing and treating wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and darkcircles around the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditionsof the skin.

The present invention further includes therapeutic compositionscomprising the therapeutic agents of the present invention. In additionto their use for the prevention and treatment of the above describeddiseases and conditions of the skin, the therapeutic compositionsdescribed herein can also be used to sooth sensitive skin and to providesmooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity, reduced and delayedaging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, and increasedflexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

The method of prevention and treatment according to this inventioncomprises administering topically to a host in need thereof atherapeutically effective amount of the formulated Free-B-Ringflavonoids and flavans isolated from a single source or multiplesources. The purity of the individual and/or a mixture of multipleFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans includes, but is not limited to 0.01%to 100%, depending on the methodology used to obtain the compound(s). Ina preferred embodiment, doses of the mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoidsand flavans containing the same are an efficacious, nontoxic quantitygenerally selected from the range of 0.001% to 100% based on totalweight of the topical formulation. Persons skilled in the art usingroutine clinical testing are able to determine optimum doses for theparticular ailment being treated.

The present invention includes an evaluation of different compositionsof Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans using enzymatic and in vivo modelsto optimize the formulation and obtain the desired physiologicalactivity. The efficacy and safety of this formulation is alsodemonstrated in human clinical studies. The compositions of thisinvention can be administered by any method known to one of ordinaryskill in the art. The modes of administration include, but are notlimited to, enteral (oral) administration, parenteral (intravenous,subcutaneous, and intramuscular) administration and topical application.In the preferred embodiment the method of treatment according to thisinvention comprises administering topically to a host in need thereof atherapeutically effective amount of a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoidsand flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multipleplants.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by a standardized Free-B-Ring flavonoid extract (83% baicalinbased on HPLC) which was isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis. Theextract was examined for its inhibition of the peroxidase activity ofrecombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) and ovine COX-2 (▪). The data is presentedas percent inhibition vs. inhibitor concentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ forCOX-1 was calculated as 0.24 μg/mL/unit of enzyme while the IC₅₀ forCOX-2 was calculated as 0.48 μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 2 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by the purified component baicalin which was isolated fromScutellaria baicalensis. The compound was examined for its inhibition ofthe peroxidase activity of recombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) and ovine COX-2(▪). The data is presented as percent inhibition vs inhibitorconcentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ for COX-1 was determined to be 0.44μg/mL/unit of enzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2 was determined to be 0.28μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 3 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by the purified component baicalein isolated from Scutellariabaicalensis. The compound was examined for its inhibition of theperoxidase activity of recombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) and ovine COX-2 (▪).The data is presented as percent inhibition vs inhibitor concentration(μg/mL). The IC₅₀ for COX-1 was determined to be 0.18 μg/mL/unit ofenzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2 was determined to be 0.28 μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 4 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by a standardized flavan extract containing 50% total flavanswhich was isolated from Acacia catechu. The extract was examined for itsinhibition of the peroxidase activity of recombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) andovine COX-2 (▪). The data is presented as percent inhibition vs.inhibitor concentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ for COX-1 was calculated as0.17 μg/mL/unit of enzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2 was calculated as 0.41μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 5 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by the a composition of matter comprised of greater than 90%flavans isolated from Acacia catechu. The composition was examined forits inhibition of the peroxidase activity of recombinant ovine COX-1 (♦)and ovine COX-2 (▪). The data is presented as percent inhibition vs.inhibitor concentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ for COX-1 was calculated as0.11 μg/mL/unit of enzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2 was calculated as 0.42μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 6 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by a formulation produced by combining an extract of Free-B-Ringflavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and anextract of flavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in a ratioof 80:20. This composition of matter, referred to hereinafter asSoliprin™, was examined for its inhibition of the peroxidase activity ofrecombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) and ovine COX-2 (▪). The data is presentedas percent inhibition vs inhibitor concentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ forCOX-1 was calculated as 0.76 μg/mL/unit of enzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2was calculated as 0.80 μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 7 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by a formulation produced by combining an extract of Free-B-Ringflavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and anextract of flavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in a ratioof about 50:50. The composition, Soliprin™, was examined for itsinhibition of the peroxidase activity of recombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) andovine COX-2 (▪). The data is presented as percent inhibition vs.inhibitor concentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ for COX-1 was calculated as0.38 μg/mL/unit of enzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2 was determined to be0.84 μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 8 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of COX-1 andCOX-2 by a formulation produced by combining an extract of Free-B-Ringflavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and anextract of flavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in a ratioof about 20:80. The composition, Soliprin™, was examined for itsinhibition of the peroxidase activity of recombinant ovine COX-1 (♦) andovine COX-2 (▪). The data is presented as percent inhibition vs.inhibitor concentration (μg/mL). The IC₅₀ of this composition for COX-1was 0.18 μg/mL/unit of enzyme and the IC₅₀ for COX-2 was 0.41μg/mL/unit.

FIG. 9 depicts graphically a profile of the inhibition of 5-LO by theflavan extract from Acacia catechu. The composition was examined for itsinhibition of recombinant potato 5-lipoxygenase activity (♦) asdescribed in Example 4. The data is presented as percent inhibition ofassays without inhibitor. The IC₅₀ for 5-LO was 1.38 μg/mL/unit ofenzyme.

FIG. 10 illustrates the High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)chromatogram of a typical formulation comprised of a mixture ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellariabaicalensis and flavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in aratio of 80:20 carried out under the conditions as described in Example9.

FIG. 11 depicts graphically the effect of increasing concentrations ofSoliprin™ on the amount of LPS-induced newly synthesized LTB₄ (♦) asdetermined by ELISA in THP-1 or HT-29 cells (ATCC) as described inExample 10. The Soliprin™ was produced through the combination ofstandardized extracts of Free-B-Ring flavonoids isolated from the rootsof Scutellaria baicalensis and flavans isolated from the bark of Acaciacatechu in a ratio of 80:20. The activity of the Soliprin™ formulationis expressed as % inhibition of induced LTB₄ synthesis.

FIG. 12 compares the LTB₄ levels as determined by ELISA that remain inHT-29 cells after treatment with 3 μg/mL Soliprin™ in non-induced cellsto treatment with 3 μg/mL ibuprofen as described in Example 10. TheSoliprin™ formulation demonstrated 80% inhibition of LTB4 production inthe HT-29 cells after two days of treatment.

FIG. 13 illustrates graphically ear-swelling data as a measure ofinhibition of inflammation as described in Example 11. Soliprin™produced through the combination of standardized extracts of Free-B-Ringflavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis andflavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in a ratio of 80:20 wascompared to untreated mice and mice given indomethacin (1.5 μg/kg) viaoral gavage. The data is presented as the difference in micronmeasurement of the untreated vs. the treated ear lobe for each mouse.

FIG. 14 illustrates graphically the effect of 100 mg/kg of Soliprin™,produced through the combination of standardized extracts of Free-B-Ringflavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis andflavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in a ratio of 80:20 onthe AA injected ankles of mice (Soliprin™+arachidonic acid) compared tonon-treated mice (no treatment+arachidonic acid), mice without AAinjections (negative control) or mice that were injected with the liquidcarrier (vehicle control).

FIG. 15 depicts graphically the changes in hairless mice skin erythemascores in different treatment groups as a function of time followingirradiation of the mice with UV light as described in Example 12. Themice in Groups B-1, A-1, B-2 and A-2 were treated with Soliprin™ eitherbefore (Groups B-1 and B-2) or after (A-1 and A-2) irradiation. TheSoliprin™ was produced through the combination of standardized extractsof Free-B-Ring flavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellariabaicalensis and flavans isolated from the bark of Acacia catechu in aratio of 80:20. With reference to FIG. 15, it can be seen that topicalapplications of Soliprin™, both before and after UV radiation,significantly reduced erythema scores as compared with the control groupand the group that was administered the standard treatmentagent-Sooth-a-caine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various terms are used herein to refer to aspects of the presentinvention. To aid in the clarification of the description of thecomponents of this invention, the following definitions are provided.

It is to be noted that the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or moreof that entity; for example, a flavonoid refers to one or moreflavonoids. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” are used interchangeably herein.

“Free-B-Ring Flavonoids” as used herein are a specific class offlavonoids, which have no substitute groups on the aromatic B-ring, asillustrated by the following general structure:

wherein

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of —H, —OH, —SH, OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺X⁻, acarbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur, glycoside of a single or acombination of multiple sugars including, but not limited toaldopentoses, methyl-aldopentose, aldohexoses, ketohexose and theirchemical derivatives thereof;

wherein

R is an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and

X is selected from the group of pharmaceutically acceptable counteranions including, but not limited to hydroxyl, chloride, iodide,sulfate, phosphate, acetate, fluoride, carbonate, etc.

“Flavans” as used herein refer to a specific class of flavonoids, whichcan be generally represented by the following general structure:

wherein

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H, —OH,

—SH, —OCH₃, —SCH₃, —OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NRH, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺X⁻, esters ofsubstitution groups, including, but not limited to, gallate, acetate,cinnamoyl and hydroxyl-cinnamoyl esters, trihydroxybenzoyl esters andcaffeoyl esters and their chemical derivatives thereof; carbon, oxygen,nitrogen or sulfur glycoside of a single or a combination of multiplesugars including, but not limited to, aldopentoses, methyl aldopentose,aldohexoses, ketohexose and their chemical derivatives thereof; dimer,trimer and other polymerized flavans;

wherein

R is an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and

X is selected from the group of pharmaceutically acceptable counteranions including, but not limited to hydroxyl, chloride, iodide,sulfate, phosphate, acetate, fluoride, carbonate, etc.

“Therapeutic” as used herein, includes treatment and/or prophylaxis.When used, therapeutic refers to humans as well as other animals.

“Pharmaceutically or therapeutically effective dose or amount” refers toa dosage level sufficient to induce a desired biological result. Thatresult may be the alleviation of the signs, symptoms or causes of adisease or any other alteration of a biological system that is desired.

“Placebo” refers to the substitution of the pharmaceutically ortherapeutically effective dose or amount dose sufficient to induce adesired biological that may alleviate the signs, symptoms or causes of adisease with a non-active substance.

A “host” or “patient” is a living subject, human or animal, into whichthe compositions described herein are administered. Thus, the inventiondescribed herein may be used for veterinary as well as humanapplications and the terms “patient” or “host” should not be construedin a limiting manner. In the case of veterinary applications, the dosageranges can be determined as described below, taking into account thebody weight of the animal.

Note that throughout this application various citations are provided.Each citation is specifically incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

The current invention provides methods for the extraction (Example 1,Table 1) of plants that contain Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans withorganic and aqueous solvents.

The crude extracts were assayed for cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity(Example 2, Tables 2 and 3). Purified Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavansdemonstrated inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase (COX) andlipoxygenase (LOX), respectively, as shown in Examples 3 and 4. Methodsfor analyzing and quantifying the extracts are described in Examples 5and 6 and the procedures to generate standardized Free-B-Ring flavonoidsand flavans from botanical origins are provided in Examples 7 and 8.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the standardized Free-B-Ringflavonoid extract is comprised of the active compounds having a purityof between 1-99% (by weight) of total Free-B-Ring flavonoids as definedin Examples 1, 2, 5 and 8. Baicalin is the major active component in theextract, which accounts for approximately 50-90% (by weight) of thetotal Free-B-Ring flavonoids. In a preferred embodiment, thestandardized extract contains >70% total Free-B-Ring flavonoids inwhich >75% of the Free-B-Ring flavonoids is baicalin.

In one embodiment, the standardized flavan extract is comprised of theactive compounds having a purity of between 1-99% (by weight) totalflavans as defined in Examples 1, 4, 6 and 7. Catechin is the majoractive component in the extract and accounts for 50-95% (by weight) ofthe total flavans. In a preferred embodiment, the standardized flavanextract contains >80% total flavans in which >70% of flavans iscatechin.

In one embodiment, Soliprin™ is produced by mixing the above twoextracts or synthetic compounds in a ratio from 99:1 to 1:99. Thepreferred ratios of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans are 80:20 asdefined in Example 9 and Table 10 and 15:85 as defined in Example 9.

The concentration of Free-B-Ring flavonoids in Soliprin™ can be fromabout 1% to 99% and the concentration of flavans in Soliprin™ can befrom 99% to 1%. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, theconcentration of total Free-B-Ring flavonoids in Soliprin™ isapproximately 20% with a baicalin content of approximately 15% of totalweight of the Soliprin™; and the concentration of total flavans inSoliprin™ is approximately 75% with a catechin content of approximately70%. In this embodiment, the total active components (Free-B-Ringflavonoids plus flavans) in Soliprin™ are >90% of the total weight.

The present invention includes methods that are effective insimultaneously inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase(LOX) enzymes, for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases andconditions related to the skin. The method for the simultaneous dualinhibition of the COX and LOX enzymes is comprised of administering,preferably topically a composition comprised of a mixture of Free-B-Ringflavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plantor multiple plants to a host in need thereof. This composition of matteris referred to herein as Soliprin™. The efficacy of this method wasdemonstrated with purified enzymes, in different cell lines, in multipleanimal models and eventually in a human clinical study. The ratio of theFree-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans in the composition can be in the rangeof 99.9:0.1 of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans to 0.1:99.9 Free-B-Ringflavonoids:flavans. In specific embodiments of the present invention,the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans is selected from thegroup consisting of approximately 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50,40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and 10:90. In a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans in thecomposition of matter is 20:80. In a preferred embodiment, theFree-B-Ring flavonoids are isolated from a plant or plants in theScutellaria genus of plants and the flavans are isolated from a plant orplants in the Acacia genus of plants.

The present invention also includes methods for the prevention andtreatment of COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions of the skin.The method for preventing and treating COX and LOX mediated diseases andconditions of the skin is comprised of administering, preferablytopically, to a host in need thereof an effective amount of acomposition comprised of a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavanssynthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multiple plants and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The ratio of the Free-B-Ringflavonoids to flavans in the composition can be in the range of 99.9:0.1of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans to 0.1:99.9 Free-B-Ringflavonoids:flavans. In specific embodiments of the present invention,the ratio of Free-B-ring flavonoids to flavans is selected from thegroup consisting of approximately 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50,40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and 10:90. In a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans in thecomposition of matter is 20:80. In a preferred embodiment, theFree-B-Ring flavonoids are isolated from a plant or plants in theScutellaria genus of plants and the flavans are isolated from a plant orplants in the Acacia genus of plants.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method forpreventing and treating a number of COX and LOX mediated diseases andconditions of the skin including, but not limited to sun burns, thermalburns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused byfungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupuserythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammalskin cancers. In another embodiment the present invention includes amethod for preventing and treating skin damage resulting from exposureto UV radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dry environments. In yetanother embodiment the present invention includes a method forpreventing and treating wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and dark circlesaround the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditions of theskin.

The present invention further includes therapeutic compositionscomprising the therapeutic agents of the present invention. In additionto their use for the prevention and treatment of the above describeddiseases and conditions of the skin, the therapeutic compositionsdescribed herein can be used to sooth sensitive skin and to providesmooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity, reduced and delayedaging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, and increasedflexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

The Free-B-Ring flavonoids that can be used in accordance with theinstant invention include compounds illustrated by the general structureset forth above. The Free-B-Ring flavonoids of this invention may beobtained by synthetic methods or may be isolated from the family ofplants including, but not limited to Annonaceae, Asteraceae,Bignoniaceae, Combretaceae, Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Labiatae,Lauranceae, Leguminosae, Moraceae, Pinaceae, Pteridaceae,Sinopteridaceae, Ulmaceae, and Zingiberacea. The Free-B-Ring flavonoidscan be extracted, concentrated, and purified from the following genus ofhigh plants, including but not limited to Desmos, Achyrocline, Oroxylum,Buchenavia, Anaphalis, Cotula, Gnaphalium, Helichrysum, Centaurea,Eupatorium, Baccharis, Sapium, Scutellaria, Molsa, Colebrookea, Stachys,Origanum, Ziziphora, Lindera, Actinodaphne, Acacia, Denis, Glycyrrhiza,Millettia, Pongamia, Tephrosia, Artocarpus, Ficus, Pityrogramma,Notholaena, Pinus, Ulmus and Alpinia.

The flavonoids can be found in different parts of plants, including butnot limited to stems, stem barks, twigs, tubers, roots, root barks,young shoots, seeds, rhizomes, flowers and other reproductive organs,leaves and other aerial parts. Methods for the isolation andpurification of Free-B-Ring flavonoids are described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/091,362, filed Mar. 1, 2002, entitled “Identification ofFree-B-Ring Flavonoids as Potent Cox-2 Inhibitors,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The flavans that can be used in accordance with the method of thisinvention include compounds illustrated by the general structure setforth above. The flavans of this invention are isolated from a plant orplants selected from the Acacia genus of plants. In a preferredembodiment, the plant is selected from the group consisting of Acaciacatechu (A. catechu), A. concinna, A. farnesiana, A. Senegal, A.speciosa, A. arabica, A. caesia, A. pennata, A. sinuata. A. mearnsii, A.picnantha, A. dealbata, A. auriculiformis, A. holoserecia and A.mangium.

The flavans can be found in different parts of plants, including but notlimited to stems, stem barks, trunks, trunk barks, twigs, tubers, roots,root barks, young shoots, seeds, rhizomes, flowers and otherreproductive organs, leaves and other aerial parts. Methods for theisolation and purification of flavans are described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/104,477, filed Mar. 22, 2002, entitled “Isolation of a DualCox-2 and 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor from Acacia,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention implements a strategy that combines a series of invivo inflammation and toxicity studies as well as in vitro biochemical,cellular, and gene expression screens to identify active plant extractsthat specifically inhibit COX and LOX enzymatic activity, impact mRNAgene expression and reduce inflammation. The methods used herein toidentify active plant extracts that specifically inhibit COX and LOX aredescribed in Examples 1 and 2, as well as in U.S. application Ser. No.10/091,362, filed Mar. 1, 2002, entitled “Identification of Free-B-RingFlavonoids as Potent Cox-2 Inhibitors;” U.S. application Ser. No.10/104,477, filed Mar. 22, 2002, entitled “Isolation of a Dual Cox-2 and5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor from Acacia,” and U.S. application Ser. No.10/427,746, filed Apr. 30, 2003, entitled “Formulation With Dual Cox-2And 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity,” each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The biochemical assay, used to measure inhibition of COX, relies on theprotein's peroxidase activity in the presence of heme and arachidonicacid. This study which is described in Example 3, showed that thepurified Free-B-Ring flavonoids, baicalin and baicalein isolated fromScutellaria baicalensis and the flavan extract isolated from Acaciacatechu, and each individual standardized extract containing highconcentrations of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans inhibited COXactivity (FIGS. 1-5). Additionally, compositions having different ratiosof each of the individual standardized extracts (i.e., 80:20, 50:50 and20:80 Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans), prepared as illustrated inExample 9, were all highly effective at inhibiting the COX activity invitro (FIGS. 6-8). The inhibition of LOX activity by a flavan extractisolated from Acacia catechu, was assessed using a lipoxygenasescreening assay in vitro as described in Example 4. The results areillustrated in FIG. 9. In addition, cell assays that targeted inhibitionof compounds in the breakdown of arachidonic acid in the LOX pathway,namely leukotriene B4 were performed using a Soliprin™ sample asdescribed in Example 10. The LTB₄ inhibition results by Soliprin™ areillustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In vivo efficacy was demonstrated by the application of skin irritatingsubstances, such as AA, to the ears and ankle joint of mice andmeasuring the reduction of swelling in mice treated with Soliprin™ asdescribed in Example 11. The results are set forth in FIGS. 13 and 14.Finally, the efficacy of topical application of Soliprin™ formulation inpreventing and treating UV induced skin erythema is illustrated inExample 12 and FIG. 15. In the study described in Example 12, Soliprin™in a blend ratio of 80:20 as of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans wasdissolved in water and applied topically at two concentration to theskin of hairless mice both before and after UV exposure, respectively.The erythema scores of the hairless mice from four Soliprin™ groups, inboth concentrations and regardless the applications time as before orafter UV exposure, all showed much less redness in smaller skin areas ascompared to severe and extended erythema in both the control group andthe group that was treated with Sooth-A Cain.

Example 13 (Tables 11 and 12) describes a general method for thepreparation of a Soliprin™ cream using pharmacologically,dermatologically and cosmetic acceptable excipients. For purposes ofillustration this Example provides a detailed procedure for thepreparation of both a 0.5 wt % and 1.5 wt % Soliprin™ cream. Finally,both of the Soliprin™ creams prepared as described in Example 13 wereevaluated on human skin for potential irritation and induction ofcontact sensitization. A total of 97 and 101 subjects completedinduction and challenge with the 0.5% and 1.5% Soliprin™ creams,respectively. Test results show that Soliprin™ creams at 0.5% and 1.5%concentration produced minimal irritation and did not elicit evidence ofinduced contact sensitization.

In summary, the present invention includes methods that are effective insimultaneously inhibiting both the COX and LOX enzymes. The method forthe simultaneous dual inhibition of the COX and LOX pathways iscomprised of administering a composition comprising a mixture ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from asingle plant or multiple plants to a host in need thereof. The ratio ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans in the composition can be in the rangeof 99:1 Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans to 1:99 of Free-B-Ringflavonoids:flavans. In specific embodiments of the present invention,the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans is selected from thegroup consisting of approximately 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50,40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and 10:90. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans in thecomposition of matter is approximately 20:80. In a preferred embodiment,the Free-B-Ring flavonoids are isolated from a plant or plants in theScutellaria genus of plants and flavans are isolated from a plant orplants in the Acacia genus of plants.

The present further includes methods for the prevention and treatment ofCOX and LOX mediated skin diseases and conditions. The method forpreventing and treating COX and LOX mediated skin diseases andconditions is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof aneffective amount of a composition comprising a mixture of Free-B-Ringflavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plantor multiple plants together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.The ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans can be in the range of99:1 Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans to 1:99 of Free-B-Ringflavonoids:flavans. In specific embodiments of the present invention,the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to flavans is selected from thegroup consisting of approximately 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50,40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and 10:90. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the ratio of Free-B-Ring flavonoids:flavans in thecomposition of matter is approximately 20:80. In a preferred embodiment,the Free-B-ring flavonoids are isolated from a plant or plants in theScutellaria genus of plants and flavans are isolated from a plant orplants in the Acacia genus of plants.

Applicant believes that U.S. application Ser. No. 10/104,477, filed Mar.22, 2002, entitled “Isolation of a Dual COX-2 and 5-LipoxygenaseInhibitor from Acacia,” is the first report of a composition of matterisolated from the Acacia genus of plants that demonstrates dualspecificity for COX and LOX and that U.S. application Ser. No.10/091,362, filed Mar. 1, 2002, entitled “Identification of Free-B-RingFlavonoids as Potent COX-2 Inhibitors,” is the first report of acorrelation between Free-B-Ring flavonoid structure and COX inhibitoryactivity. These discoveries led to a novel blending of two classes ofspecific compounds—Free-B-Ring Flavonoids and flavans—to form acomposition of matter, referred to herein as Soliprin™, which can beused for the prevention and treatment of COX and LOX mediated diseasesand conditions, as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/427,746,filed Apr. 30, 2003, entitled “Formulation With Dual Cox-2 And5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity.” COX and LOX mediated diseases andconditions include, but are not limited to diseases and conditions ofthe skin including, but are not limited to sun burns, thermal burns,acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused by fungal,microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus,psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammal skin cancers,skin damage resulting from exposure to UV radiation, chemicals, heat,wind and dry environments, wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and dark circlesaround the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditions of theskin. Although not limited by theory, it is believed that the mechanismof action of this class of compounds is the direct dual inhibition ofboth COX and LOX enzymatic activity.

The present invention further includes therapeutic compositionscomprising the therapeutic agents of the present invention includingvarious formulations thereof. Methods for the preparation of thesecompositions, together with methods for the determination of theirpurity and specific composition are described in Examples 5-9 and FIG.10.

In a preferred embodiment, the method of prevention and treatment of COXand LOX mediated skin related diseases and conditions according to thisinvention comprises administering topically to a host in need thereof atherapeutically effective amount of the formulated Free-B-Ringflavonoids and/or flavans isolated from a single source or multiplesources. The purity of the individual and/or a mixture of Free-B-Ringflavonoids and flavans includes, but is not limited to 0.01% to 100%,depending on the methodology used to obtain the compound(s). In apreferred embodiment, doses of the mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoidsand/or flavans containing that same are an efficacious, nontoxicquantity generally selected from the range of 0.001% to 100% based ontotal weight of the topical formulation. Persons skilled in the artusing routine clinical testing are able to determine optimum doses forthe particular ailment being treated.

The present invention includes evaluation of the different compositionof Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavan using enzymatic and in vivoanti-inflammation models to optimize the formulation and obtain thegreatest potency as described below. The present invention provides acommercially viable process for the isolation, purification andcombination of Acacia flavans with Free-B-Ring flavonoids to yield acomposition of matter having desirable physiological activity. Inaddition to their use for the prevention and treatment of the abovedescribed diseases and conditions of the skin, the therapeuticcompositions described herein can also be used to sooth sensitive skinand to provide smooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity,reduced and delayed aging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, andincreased flexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated aspharmaceutical compositions which include other components such as apharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable excipient, an adjuvant,and/or a carrier. For example, compositions of the present invention canbe formulated in an excipient that the host to be treated can tolerate.An excipient is an inert substance used as a diluent or vehicle for adrug. Examples of such excipients include, but are not limited to water,buffers, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, mannitol, Hank'ssolution, preservatives and other aqueous physiologically balanced saltsolutions. Nonaqueous vehicles, such as fixed oils, sesame oil, ethyloleate, or triglycerides may also be used. Other useful formulationsinclude suspensions containing viscosity enhancing agents, such assodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Excipients can alsocontain minor amounts of additives, such as substances that enhanceisotonicity and chemical stability. Examples of buffers includephosphate buffer, bicarbonate buffer, tris buffer, histidine, citrate,and glycine, or mixtures thereof, while examples of preservativesinclude, but are not limited to thimerosal, m- or o-cresol, formalin andbenzyl alcohol. Standard formulations can either be liquid or solids,which can be taken up in a suitable liquid as a suspension or solutionfor administration. Thus, in a non-liquid formulation, the excipient cancomprise dextrose, human serum albumin, preservatives, etc., to whichsterile water or saline can be added prior to administration.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition can alsoinclude an adjuvant or a carrier. Adjuvants are typically substancesthat generally enhance the biological response of a mammal to a specificbioactive agent. Suitable adjuvants include, but are not limited to,Freund's adjuvant; other bacterial cell wall components; aluminum-basedsalts; calcium-based salts; silica; polynucleotides; toxoids; serumproteins; viral coat proteins; other bacterial-derived preparations;gamma interferon; block copolymer adjuvants, such as Hunter's Titermaxadjuvant (Vaxcel™, Inc. Norcross, Ga.); Ribi adjuvants (available fromRibi ImmunoChem Research, Inc., Hamilton, Mont.); and saponins and theirderivatives, such as Quil A (available from Superfos Biosector A/S,Denmark). Carriers are typically compounds that increase the half-lifeof a therapeutic composition in the treated host. Suitable carriersinclude, but are not limited to, polymeric controlled releaseformulations, biodegradable implants, liposomes, bacteria, viruses,oils, esters, and glycols.

In one embodiment, the composition is prepared as a controlled releaseformulation, which slowly releases the composition of the presentinvention into the host. As used herein, a controlled releaseformulation comprises a composition of the present invention in acontrolled release vehicle. Suitable controlled release vehicles will beknown to those skilled in the art. Preferred controlled releaseformulations are biodegradable (i.e., bioerodible).

The therapeutic agents of the instant invention are preferablyadministered topically by any suitable means, known to those of skill inthe art for topically administering therapeutic compositions including,but not limited to as an ointment, gel, lotion, or cream base or as anemulsion, as a patch, dressing or mask, a nonsticking gauze, a bandage,a swab or a cloth wipe. Such topical application can be locallyadministered to any affected area, using any standard means known fortopical administration. A therapeutic composition can be administered ina variety of unit dosage forms depending upon the method ofadministration. For particular modes of delivery, a therapeuticcomposition of the present invention can be formulated in an excipientof the present invention. A therapeutic reagent of the present inventioncan be administered to any host, preferably to mammals, and morepreferably to humans. The particular mode of administration will dependon the condition to be treated.

In one embodiment, a suitable ointment is comprised of the desiredconcentration of the mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans, thatis an efficacious, nontoxic quantity generally selected from the rangeof 0.001% to 100% based on total weight of the topical formulation, from65 to 100% (preferably 75 to 96%) of white soft paraffin, from 0 to 15%of liquid paraffin, and from 0 to 7% (preferably 3 to 7%) of lanolin ora derivative of synthetic equivalent thereof. In another embodiment theointment may comprise a polyethylene-liquid paraffin matrix.

In one embodiment, a suitable cream is comprised of an emulsifyingsystem together with the desired concentration of the mixture ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans as provided above. The emulsifyingsystem is preferably comprised of from 2 to 10% of polyoxyethylenealcohols (e.g. the mixture available under the trademark Cetomacrogol™1000), from 10 to 25% of stearyl alcohol, from 20 to 60% of liquidparaffin, and from 10 to 65% of water; together with one or morepreservatives, for example from 0.1 to 1% ofN,N″-methylenebis[N′-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]urea](available under the name Imidurea USNF), from 0.1 to 1% of alkyl4-hydroxybenzoates (for example the mixture available from NipaLaboratories under the trade mark Nipastat), from 0.01 to 0.1% of sodiumbutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (available from Nipa Laboratories under thetrade mark Nipabutyl sodium), and from 0.1 to 2% of phenoxyethanol.Example 13 describes the formulation of two different concentrations ofthe composition of this invention as a cream and Example 14 describes astudy undertaken to evaluate the cream for irritation and sensitizationof the skin. From this study it was determined that Soliprin™ is a safecomposition that can be applied topically at an efficaciousconcentration without causing irritation or sensitization of the skin.

In one embodiment, a suitable gel is comprised of a semi-solid system inwhich a liquid phase is constrained within a three dimensional polymericmatrix with a high degree of cross-linking. The liquid phase may becomprised of water, together with the desired amount of the mixture ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans, from 0 to 20% of water-miscibleadditives, for example glycerol, polyethylene glycol, or propyleneglycol, and from 0.1 to 10%, preferably from 0.5 to 2%, of a thickeningagent, which may be a natural product, for example tragacanth, pectin,carrageen, agar and alginic acid, or a synthetic or semi-syntheticcompound, for example methylcellulose and carboxypolymethylene(carbopol); together with one or more preservatives, for example from0.1 to 2% of methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben) orphenoxyethanol-differential. Another suitable base, is comprised of thedesired amount of the mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans,together with from 70 to 90% of polyethylene glycol (for example,polyethylene glycol ointment containing 40% of polyethylene glycol 3350and 60% of polyethylene glycol 400, prepared in accordance with the U.S.National Formulary (USNF)), from 5 to 20% of water, from 0.02 to 0.25%of an antioxidant (for example butylated hydroxytoluene), and from 0.005to 0.1% of a chelating agent (for example ethylenediamine tetraaceticacid (EDTA)).

The term soft paraffin as used above encompasses the cream or ointmentbases white soft paraffin and yellow soft paraffin. The term lanolinencompasses native wool fat and purified wool fat. Derivatives oflanolin include in particular lanolins which have been chemicallymodified in order to alter their physical or chemical properties andsynthetic equivalents of lanolin include in particular synthetic orsemisynthetic compounds and mixtures which are known and used in thepharmaceutical and cosmetic arts as alternatives to lanolin and may, forexample, be referred to as lanolin substitutes.

One suitable synthetic equivalent of lanolin that may be used is thematerial available under the trademark Softisan™ known as Softisan 649.Softisan 649, available from Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft, is aglycerine ester of natural vegetable fatty acids, of isostearic acid andof adipic acid; its properties are discussed by H. Hermsdorf in Fette,Seifen, Anstrichmittel, Issue No. 84, No. 3 (1982), pp. 3-6.

The other substances mentioned hereinabove as constituents of suitableointment or cream bases and their properties are discussed in standardreference works, for example pharmacopoeia. Cetomacrogol 1000 has theformula CH₃(CH₂)_(m)(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)OH, wherein m may be 15 or 17 and n maybe 20 to 24. Butylated hydroxytoluene is 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol.Nipastat is a mixture of methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl4-hydroxybenzoates.

The compositions of the invention may be produced by conventionalpharmaceutical techniques. Thus the aforementioned compositions, forexample, may conveniently be prepared by mixing together at an elevatedtemperature, preferably 60-70° C., the soft paraffin, liquid paraffin ifpresent, and lanolin or derivative or synthetic equivalent thereof. Themixture may then be cooled to room temperature, and, after addition ofthe hydrated crystalline calcium salt of mupirocin, together with thecorticosteroid and any other ingredients, stirred to ensure adequatedispersion.

Regardless of the manner of administration, the specific dose iscalculated according to the approximate body weight of the host. Furtherrefinement of the calculations necessary to determine the appropriatedosage for treatment involving each of the above mentioned formulationsis routinely made by those of ordinary skill in the art and is withinthe scope of tasks routinely performed by them without undueexperimentation, especially in light of the dosage information andassays disclosed herein. These dosages may be ascertained through use ofthe established assays for determining dosages utilized in conjunctionwith appropriate dose-response data.

It should be noted that the invention described herein may be used forveterinary as well as human applications and that the term “host” shouldnot be construed in a limiting manner. In the case of veterinaryapplications, the dosage ranges can be determined as described above,taking into account the body weight of the animal.

The compositions of this invention can be administered by any methodknown to one of ordinary skill in the art. The modes of administrationinclude, but are not limited to, enteral (oral) administration,parenteral (intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular) administrationand topical application. The method of treatment according to thisinvention comprises administering internally or topically to a patientin need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a mixture ofFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from asingle plant or multiple plants. In a preferred embodiment thecomposition is administered topically.

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Examples Example 1 Preparation of Organic and Aqueous Extracts fromAcacia and Scutellaria Plants

Plant material from Acacia catechu (L) Willd. barks, Scutellariaorthocalyx roots, Scutellaria baicalensis roots or Scutellarialateriflora whole plant was ground to a particle size of no larger than2 mm. Dried ground plant material (60 g) was then transferred to anErlenmeyer flask and methanol:dichloromethane (1:1) (600 mL) was added.The mixture was shaken for one hour, filtered and the biomass wasextracted again with methanol: dichloromethane (1:1) (600 mL). Theorganic extracts were combined and evaporated under vacuum to providethe organic extract (see Table 1 below). After organic extraction, thebiomass was air dried and extracted once with ultra pure water (600 mL).The aqueous solution was filtered and freeze-dried to provide theaqueous extract (see Table 1 below).

TABLE 1 Yield of Organic and Aqueous Extracts of Acacia and ScutellariaSpecies Organic Aqueous Plant Source Amount Extract Extract Acaciacatechu barks 60 g 27.2 g 10.8 g Scutellaria orthocalyx roots 60 g 4.04g 8.95 g Scutellaria baicalensis roots 60 g 9.18 g 7.18 g Scutellarialateriflora 60 g 6.54 g 4.08 g (whole plant)

Example 2 Inhibition of COX-2 and COX-1 Peroxidase Activity by PlantExtracts from Acacia catechu, Various Scutellaria Species and OtherPlants

The bioassay directed screening process for the identification ofspecific COX-2 inhibitors was designed to assay the peroxidase activityof the enzyme as described below.

Peroxidase Assay.

The assay to detect inhibitors of COX-2 was modified for a highthroughput platform (Raz). Briefly, recombinant ovine COX-2 (Cayman) inperoxidase buffer (100 mM TBS, 5 mM EDTA, 1 μM Heme, 1 mg epinephrine,0.094% phenol) was incubated with extract (1:500 dilution) for 15minutes. Quantablu (Pierce) substrate was added and allowed to developfor 45 minutes at 25° C. Luminescence was then read using a WallacVictor 2 plate reader. The results are presented in Table 2.

Table 2 sets forth the inhibition of enzyme by the organic and aqueousextracts obtained from five plant species, including the bark of Acaciacatechu, roots of two Scutellaria species and extracts from three otherplant species, which are comprised of structurally similar Free-B-Ringflavonoids. Data is presented as the percent of peroxidase activityrelative to the recombinant ovine COX-2 enzyme and substrate alone. Thepercent inhibition by the organic extract ranged from 30% to 90%.

TABLE 2 Inhibition of COX-2 Peroxidase Activity by Various SpeciesInhibition of COX-2 Inhibition of COX-2 Plant Source by organic extractby aqueous extract Acacia catechu (bark) 75% 30% Scutellaria orthocalyx(root) 55% 77% Scutellaria baicalensis (root) 75% 0% Desmodium sambuense55% 39% (whole plant) Eucaluptus globulus (leaf) 30% 10% Murica nana(leaf) 90% 0%

Comparison of the relative inhibition of the COX-1 and COX-2 isoformsrequires the generation of IC₅₀ values for each of these enzymes. TheIC₅₀ is defined as the concentration at which 50% inhibition of enzymeactivity in relation to the control is achieved by a particularinhibitor. In these experiments, IC₅₀ values were found to range from 6to 50 μg/mL and 7 to 80 μg/mL for the COX-2 and COX-1 enzymes,respectively, as set forth in Table 3. Comparison of the IC₅₀ values ofCOX-2 and COX-1 demonstrates the specificity of the organic extractsfrom various plants for each of these enzymes. The organic extract ofScutellaria later flora for example, shows preferential inhibition ofCOX-2 over COX-1 with IC₅₀ values of 30 and 80 μg/mL, respectively.While some extracts demonstrate preferential inhibition of COX-2, othersdo not. Examination of the HTP fractions and purified compounds fromthese fractions is necessary to determine the true specificity ofinhibition for these extracts and compounds.

TABLE 3 IC₅₀ Values of Organic Extracts for Human and Ovine COX-2 andCOX-1 IC₅₀ Human IC₅₀ Ovine IC₅₀ Ovine COX-2 COX-2 COX-1 Plant Source(μg/mL) (μg/mL) (μg/mL) Acacia catechu (bark)  3 6.25 2.5 Scutellariaorthocalyx (root) Not done 10 10 Scutellaria baicalensis (root) 30 20 20Scutellaria lateriflora 20 30 80 (whole plant) Eucaluptus globulus(leaf) Not done 50 50 Murica nana (leaf)  5 6 7

Example 3 Inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 Peroxidase Activity

In order to screen for compounds that inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2activities, a high throughput, in vitro assay was developed thatutilized the inhibition of the peroxidase activity of both enzymes.(Needleman et al. (1986) Annu Rev Biochem. 55:69). Briefly, thecomposition or compound being examined was titrated against a fixedamount of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. A cleavable, peroxide chromophore wasincluded in the assay to visualize the peroxidase activity of eachenzyme in presence of arachidonic acid as a cofactor. Typically, assayswere performed in a 96-well format. Each inhibitor, taken from a 10mg/mL stock solution in 100% DMSO, was tested in triplicate at roomtemperature using the following range of concentrations: 0, 0.1, 1, 5,10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 μg/mL. To each well, 150 μL of 100 mM Tris-HCl,pH 7.5 was added along with 10 μL of 22 μM Hematin diluted in trisbuffer, 10 μL of inhibitor diluted in DMSO and 25 units of either theCOX-1 or COX-2 enzyme. The components were mixed for 10 seconds on arotating platform, followed by the addition of 20 μL of 2 mMN,N,N′N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (TMPD) and 20 μLof 1.1 mM arachidonic acid to initiate the reaction. The plate wasshaken for 10 seconds and then incubated 5 minutes before reading theabsorbance at 570 nm. The inhibitor concentration vs. % inhibition wasplotted and the IC₅₀ determined by taking the half-maximal point alongthe isotherm and intersecting the concentration on the X-axis. The IC₅₀was then normalized to the number of enzyme units in the assay. Theresults are summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Inhibition of COX Enzyme Activity by Purified Free-B-RingFlavonoids Free-B-Ring Flavonoids Inhibition of COX-1 Inhibition ofCOX-2 Baicalein 107% 109% 5,6-Dihydroxy-7- 75% 59% methoxyflavone7,8-Dihydroxyflavone 74% 63% Baicalin 95% 97% Wogonin 16% 12%

The dose responses and IC₅₀ values for a standardized Free-B-Ringflavonoid extract, baicalin, and baicalein isolated from the roots ofScutellaria baicalensis are provided in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively.The dose responses and IC₅₀ values for two standardized flavan extract(50% and >90% flavans, respectively) isolated from the heartwood ofAcacia catechu are provided in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. The doseresponses and IC₅₀ values for three formulations of Free-B-Ringflavonoids and flavans of varying composition are provided in FIG. 6(80:20 blending), FIG. 7 (50:50 blending) and FIG. 8 (20:80 blending),respectively.

Example 4 Inhibition of 5-Lipoxygenase by Catechin Isolated from Acaciacatechu

One of the most important pathways involved in the inflammatory responseis produced by non-heme, iron-containing lipoxygenases (5-LO, 12-LO, and15-LO), which catalyze the addition of molecular oxygen onto fatty acidssuch as AA (AA) to produce the hydroperoxides 5-, 12- and 15-HPETE,which are then converted to leukotrienes. There were early indicationsthat the flavan extract from A. catechu may provide some degree of LOXinhibition, thereby preventing the formation of 5-HPETE. A LipoxygenaseInhibitor Screening Assay Kit (Cayman Chemical, Inc., Cat#760700) wasused to assess whether an extract isolated from A. catechucontaining >90% flavans directly inhibited LOX in vitro. The 15-LO fromsoybeans normally used in the kit was replaced with potato LOX, after abuffer change from phosphate to a tris-based buffer usingmicrofiltration was performed. This assay detects the formation ofhydroperoxides through an oxygen sensing chromagen. Briefly, the assaywas performed in triplicate by adding 904, of 0.17 units/μL potato 5-LO,20 μL of 1.1 mM AA, 1004, of oxygen-sensing chromagen and 104, ofpurified flavan inhibitor to final concentrations ranging from 0 to 500μg/mL. The IC₅₀ for 5-LO inhibition from this composition was determinedto be 1.38 μg/mL/unit of enzyme. The results are set forth in FIG. 9.

Example 5 HPLC Quantification of Free-B-Ring Flavonoids in ActiveExtracts Isolated from Scutellaria Orthocalyx (Roots), Scutellariabaicalensis (Roots) and Oroxylum Indicum (Seeds)

The presence and quantity of Free-B-Ring flavonoids in five activeextracts isolated from three different plant species as described inExamples 1 and 2 were determined by HPLC and the results are set forthin the Table 5, below. The Free-B-Ring flavonoids were quantitativelyanalyzed by HPLC on a Luna C-18 column (250×4.5 mm, 5 μm) using a 1%phosphoric acid and acetonitrile gradient from 80% to 20% in 22 minutes.The Free-B-Ring flavonoids were detected using a UV detector at 254 nmand identified based on retention time by comparison with baicalin,baicalein and other Free-B-Ring flavonoid standards.

TABLE 5 Free-B-Ring Flavonoid Content in Active Plant Extracts % Total %Free- Extractible amount of B-Ring Weight of from Free-B-Ring FlavonoidsActive Extracts Extract BioMass Flavonoids in Extract S. orthocalyx 8.95g 14.9%  0.2 mg 0.6% (aqueous extract) S. orthocalyx 3.43 g 5.7% 1.95 mg6.4% (organic extract) S. baicalensis 7.18 g 12.0% 0.03 mg 0.07% (aqueous extract) S. baicalensis 9.18 g 15.3% 20.3 mg 35.5%  (organicextract) Oroxylum indicum 6.58 g 11.0%  0.4 mg 2.2% (organic extract)

Example 6 HPLC Quantification of Active Extracts from Acacia catechu

The flavans in the organic and aqueous extracts isolated from Acaciacatechu as illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 were quantified by HPLC usinga PhotoDiode Array detector (HPLC/PDA) and a Luna C18 column (250 mm×4.6mm). The flavans were eluted from the column using an acetonitrilegradient from 10% to 30% ACN over a period of 20 minutes, followed by60% ACN for five minutes. The results are set forth in Table 6. Theflavans were quantified based on retention time and PDA data usingcatechin and epicatechin as standards. The retention times for the twomajor flavans were 12.73 minutes and 15.76 minutes, respectively.

TABLE 6 Free-B-Ring Flavonoid Content in Active Plant Extracts ActiveExtracts from Weight of % Extractible % Flavans bark of A. catechuExtract from BioMass in Extract Aqueous Extract 10.8 g 18.0% 0.998%Organic Extract 27.2 g 45.3% 30.37%

Example 7 Preparation of a Standardized Extract from Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu (500 mg of ground root) was extracted twice with 25 mL(2×25 mL) of the following solvent systems. (1) 100% water, (2) 80:20water:methanol, (3) 60:40 water:methanol, (4) 40:60 water:methanol, (5)20:80 water:methanol, (6) 100% methanol, (7) 80:20 methanol:THF, (8)60:40 methanol:THF. The two extracts from each individual extractionwere combined concentrated and dried under low vacuum. Theidentification of the chemical components in each extract was achievedby HPLC using a PhotoDiode Array detector (HPLC/PDA) and a 250 mm×4.6 mmC18 column. The chemical components were quantified based on retentiontime and PDA data using catechin and epicatechin as standards. Theresults are set forth in Table 7. As shown in Table 7, the flavanextract generated from solvent extraction with 80% methanol/waterprovided the highest concentration of flavan components.

TABLE 7 Solvents for Generating Standardized Flavan Extracts from Acaciacatechu Total Extraction Weight of % Extractible amount of % CatechinsSolvent Extract from BioMass Catechins in Extract 100% water 292.8 mg58.56% 13 mg 12.02% water:methanol 282.9 mg 56.58% 13 mg 11.19% (80:20)water:methanol 287.6 mg 57.52% 15 mg 13.54% (60:40) water:methanol 264.8mg 52.96% 19 mg 13.70% (40:60) water:methanol 222.8 mg 44.56% 15 mg14.83% (20:80) 100% methanol 215.0 mg 43.00% 15 mg 12.73% methanol:THF264.4 mg 52.88% 11 mg 8.81% (80:20) methanol:THF 259.9 mg 51.98% 15 mg9.05% (60:40)

Higher purity material can be obtained by recrystallization of extractshaving a catechin content of between 8%-15% using an alcohol/waterand/or aqueous solvents as the recrystallization solvent. It may benecessary to decolorize prior to recrystallization by adding activecharcoal or other decolorization agent to a heated saturated solution ofthe extract. The high purity catechins then crystallized upon cooling ofthe heated saturated solution. The crystals were then filtered to removesolvent, dried and ground into a fine powder. Recrystallization can berepeated as necessary to achieve a the desired level of purity (60%-100%of catechin flavans).

Example 8 Preparation of Standardized Free-B-Ring Flavonoid Extractsfrom Various Scutellaria Species

Scutellaria orthocalyx (500 mg of ground root) was extracted twice with25 mL of the following solvent systems. (1) 100% water, (2) 80:20water:methanol, (3) 60:40 water:methanol, (4) 40:60 water:methanol, (5)20:80 water:methanol, (6) 100% methanol, (7) 80:20 methanol:THF, (8)60:40 methanol:THF. The extracts were combined, concentrated and driedunder low vacuum. Identification of chemical components in each extractwas performed by HPLC using a PhotoDiode Array detector (HPLC/PDA) and a250 mm×4.6 mm C18 column. The chemical components were quantified basedon retention time and PDA data using baicalein, baicalin, scutellarein,and wogonin as standards. The results are set forth in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Quantification of Free-B-Ring Flavonoids Extracted fromScutellaria orthocalyx Total % Flavo- Extraction Weight of % Extractibleamount of noids Solvent Extract from BioMass Flavonoids in Extract 100%water   96 mg 19.2% 0.02 mg 0.20% Water:methanol 138.3 mg 27.7% 0.38 mg0.38% (80:20) Water:methanol 169.5 mg 33.9% 0.78 mg 8.39% (60:40)Water:methanol 142.2 mg 28.4% 1.14 mg 11.26% (40:60) Water:methanol104.5 mg 20.9% 0.94 mg 7.99% (20:80) 100% methanol  57.5 mg 11.5% 0.99mg 10.42% methanol:THF  59.6 mg 11.9% 0.89 mg 8.76% (80:20) methanol:THF 58.8 mg 11.8% 1.10 mg 10.71% (60:40)

Scutellaria baicalensis (1000 mg of ground root) was extracted twiceusing 50 mL of a mixture of methanol and water as follows: (1) 100%water, (2) 70:30 water:methanol, (3) 50:50 water:methanol, (4) 30:70water:methanol, (5) 100% methanol. The extracts were combined,concentrated and dried under low vacuum. Identification of the chemicalcomponents was performed by HPLC using a PhotoDiode Array detector(HPLC/PDA), and a 250 mm×4.6 mm C18 column. The chemical components ineach extract were quantified based on retention time and PDA data usingbaicalein, baicalin, scutellarein, and wogonin standards. The resultsare set forth in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Quantification of Free-B-Ring Flavonoids Extracted fromScutellaria baicalensis Total % Flavo- Extraction Weight of %Extractible amount of noids Solvent Extract from BioMass Flavonoids inExtract 100% water 277.5 mg 27.8%   1 mg 0.09% Water:methanol 338.6 mg33.9% 1.19 mg 11.48% (70:30) Water:methanol 304.3 mg 30.4% 1.99 mg18.93% (50:50) Water:methanol 293.9 mg 29.4% 2.29 mg 19.61% (30:70) 100%methanol 204.2 mg 20.4% 2.73 mg 24.51%

Higher purity Free-B-Ring flavonoids can be obtained byrecrystallization of extracts having a Free-B-Ring flavonoid content ofbetween 8-15% using alcohol/water as a recrystallization solvent. It maybe necessary to decolorize prior to recrystallization by adding activecharcoal or other decolorization agent to a heated saturated solution ofthe extract. The Free-B-Ring flavonoids crystallized upon cooling. Thecrystals were filtered, dried and ground into a fine powder.Recrystallization can be repeated as necessary to achieve a the desiredlevel of purity (60%-100% of Free-B-Ring flavonoids).

Example 9 Preparation of a Formulation with a Standardized Free-B-RingFlavonoid Extract from the Roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and aStandardized Flavan Extract from the Bark of Acacia catechu

A novel composition of matter, referred to herein as Soliprin™ wasformulated using two standardized extracts isolated from Acacia andScutellaria, respectively, together with one or more excipients. Ageneral example for preparing such a composition is set forth below. TheAcacia extract used in this example contained >80% total flavans, ascatechin and epicatechin, and the Scutellaria extract contained >80%Free-B-Ring flavonoids, which was primarily baicalin. The Scutellariaextract also contained other minor amounts of Free-B-Ring flavonoids asset forth in Table 11. One or more excipients/preservatives was alsoadded to the composition of matter. The ratio of flavans and Free-B-Ringflavonoids can be adjusted based on the indications and the specificrequirements with respect to inhibition of COX vs. LO, requirements ofskin penetration, and potency requirements of the product, such asduration of potency required, etc. The quantity of the excipients can beadjusted based on the actual active content of each ingredient. Ablending table for each individual batch of product must be generatedbased on the product specification and QC results for individual batchof ingredients. Additional amounts of active ingredients in the range of2-5% are recommended to meet the product specification.

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract (38.5 kg) (lot # RM052302-01)having a Free-B-Ring flavonoid content of 82.2% (baicalin); Acaciacatechu bark extract (6.9 kg) (lot # RM052902-01) with total flavancontent of 80.4%; and excipient (5.0 kg of Candex) were combined toprovide a Soliprin™ formulation (50.4 kg) having a blending ratio of85:15 by weight of the active Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans. Table10 provides the quantification of the active Free-B-Ring flavonoids andflavans of this specific batch of Soliprin™ (Lot#G1702-COX-2),determined using the methods provided in Examples 6 and 8. Withreference to Table 10, this specific batch of Soliprin™ contains 86%total active ingredients, including 75.7% Free-B-Ring flavonoids and10.3% flavans. FIG. 10 illustrates the HPLC chromatogram of arepresentative Soliprin™ sample which had a blending ratio of 80:20 byweight of the active Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans.

TABLE 10 Free-B-Ring Flavonoid and Flavan Content of a Soliprin ™Formulation Active Components % Content 1. Flavonoids  a. Baicalin62.5%   b. Minor Flavonoids   i. Wogonin-7-glucuronide 6.7%   ii.Oroxylin A 7-glucuronide 2.0%   iii. Baicalein 1.5%   iv. Wogonin 1.1%  v. Chrysin-7-glucuronide 0.8%   vi. 5-Methyl-wogonin-7-glucuronide0.5%   vii. Scutellarin 0.3%   viii. Norwogonin 0.3%   ix. Chrysin<0.2%    x. Oroxylin A <0.2%   c. Total Free-B-ring Flavonoids 75.7%  2.Flavans  a. Catechin 9.9%  b. Epicatechin 0.4%  c. Subtotal Flavans10.3%  3. Total Active Ingredients  86%

Using the same approach, the following batches of Soliprin™ wereprepared using a combination of a standardized Free-B-Ring flavonoidextract from Scutellaria baicalensis roots and a standardized flavanextract from Acacia catechu bark having a blending ratio of 12:88 and15:85, respectively.

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract (58.0 g) (lot # RM021203-01) havinga Free-B-Ring flavonoid content of 87.9% (as baicalin) and Acaciacatechu bark extract (442.0 g) (lot # RM050603-01) with total flavancontent of 84.9% were blended to provide a Soliprin™ composition (500 g,lot#QJ205-19) having a blending ratio of 12:88 by weight. Utilizing themethods provided in Examples 6 and 8, the Free-B-Ring flavonoid contentof (baicalin) was 9.65% and flavan content (total catechin andepicatechin) was 73.2% in this specific batch of Soliprin™(lot#QJ205-19).

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract (300 g) (lot # RM060403-01) havinga Free-B-Ring flavonoid content of 82.9% (as baicalin) and Acaciacatechu bark extract (1700 g) (lot # RM050603-01) with total flavancontent of 90.8% were blended to provide a Soliprin™ composition (2000g, lot#A1904) having a blending ratio of 15:85 by weight. Utilizing themethods provided in Examples 6 and 8, the Free-B-Ring flavonoid content(baicalin) was 15.6% and flavan content (total catechin and epicatechin)was 75.0% in this specific batch of Soliprin™ (10t#A1904).

Example 10 Measurements of Dose Response and IC₅₀ Values of 5-LO EnzymeInhibition from a Formulation of Soliprin™

A Soliprin™ formulation (80:20) was prepared as described in Example 9.(See also Example 14 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/427,746,filed Apr. 30, 2003, entitled “Formulation With Dual COX-2 And5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity,” which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety) using a combination of a standardizedFree-B-Ring flavonoid extract from Scutellaria baicalensis roots and astandardized flavan extract from Acacia catechu bark with a blendingratio of 80:20. The sample was titrated in tissue culture mediacontaining THP-1 or HT-29 cells; monocyte cell lines that express COX-1,COX-2 and 5-LOX. A competitive ELISA for Leukotriene B4 (LTB4; Neogen,Inc., Cat#406110) was used to assess the effect of this Soliprin™formulation on newly synthesized levels of LTB4 present in each cellline as a measure Soliprin™'s inhibitory effect on the 5-LOX pathway.The assay was performed in duplicate by adding 160,000 to 180,000 cellsper well in 6-well plates. The Soliprin™ formulation was added to theTHP-1 cultures at 3, 10, 30 and 100 μg/mL and incubated overnight(˜12-15 hrs) at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ in a humidified environment. Theresults are set forth in FIG. 11, which shows that the production ofnewly LPS-induced LTB4 was almost completely inhibited by the additionof Soliprin™ to the THP-1 cultures between 3 and 10 μg/mL.

Soliprin™ and ibuprofen, another known 5-LOX inhibitor, were added tothe HT-29 cells at 3 μg/mL and incubated 48 hrs at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ ina humidified environment. Each treated cell line was then harvested bycentrifugation and disrupted by gentle dounce homogenization lysis inphysiological buffers. As shown in FIG. 12, Soliprin™ inhibitedgeneration of 80% of the newly synthesized LTB4 in HT-29 cells.Ibuprofen only showed a 20% reduction in the amount of LTB4 over thesame time period.

Example 11 Evaluation of the Efficacy of Soliprin™ with In Vivo MouseEar Swelling Model

A Soliprin™ formulation was prepared using a combination of astandardized Free-B-Ring flavonoid extract from Scutellaria baicalensisroots and a standardized flavan extract from Acacia catechu bark with ablending ratio of 80:20 as described in Example 9. To test whether thiscomposition could be used to treat inflammation in vivo, the compositionwas administered by oral gavage to 4-5 week old ICR mice (Harlan Labs)one day before treatment of their ears with arachidonic acid (AA). Testmice were fed dose equivalents of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of Soliprin™suspended in olive oil while control mice were fed only olive oil. Thefollowing day, 20 μL of 330 mM AA in 95% alcohol was applied to one earof each mouse, while alcohol was applied to the other ear as a control.Mice treated with Soliprin™ showed a measurable dose response thattracked with increasing doses of Soliprin™, as demonstrated in FIG. 13.With reference to FIG. 13, the 200 mg/kg dose reduces swelling by over50% as compared to the “No treatment” control. The 50 mg/kg dose ofSoliprin™ was as effective as the 50 mg/kg dose of another stronganti-inflammatory, indomethacin.

In another animal model designed to demonstrate the anti-inflammatoryactivity of Soliprin™ the 80:20 formulation described above was orallyadministrated to mice in a dose of 100 mg/kg suspended in olive oil ˜12hours before injection of 20 μL of 100 mM AA in 95% ethanol into thehind ankle joints of 4-5 week old ICR mice (Harlan Labs). The test groupwas fed the Soliprin™ formulation, while another group was not given theformulation. Control groups included mice that had not receivedarachidonic acid injections (negative control) and a group that had 95%ethanol without AA injected (vehicle control). These groups were alsonot given Soliprin™. The results are set forth in FIG. 14. Withreference to FIG. 14, the mice given Soliprin™ that were injected withAA showed background levels of swelling as compared to the controls andthe untreated arachidonic injected group. These results demonstrate theeffectiveness of Soliprin™ for reducing swelling in joints, the site ofaction.

Example 12 Evaluation of the Efficacy of Soliprin™ in Preventing andTreating Damage Resulting from Exposure of Skin to UV Radiation

Six groups of hairless female mice (five mice per group) (Strain SKH-1,Harlan Labs) were irradiated, while anesthetized, for three minutes onthree consecutive days with 0.626 mW/cm² to test the effectiveness ofthe Soliprin™ formulation in preventing and treating damage resultingfrom exposure of skin to UV radiation. The Soliprin™ formulation wasprepared using a combination of a standardized Free-B-Ring flavonoidextract from Scutellaria baicalensis roots and a standardized flavanextract from Acacia catechu bark with a blending ratio of 80:20 asdescribed in Example 9. The six treatment groups were as follows:

Group #

-   -   1 Control group: no treatment before or after UV irradiation    -   2 Positive control: treated with a topical application of        Sooth-A-Caine (Banana Boat) after UV irradiation    -   3 Soliprin™ Treatment B-1: treated with topical application of 1        mg/mL Soliprin™ in water before UV irradiation    -   4 Soliprin™ Treatment A-1: treated with topical application of 1        mg/mL Soliprin™ in water after UV irradiation    -   5 Soliprin™ Treatment B-2: treated with topical application of 5        mg/mL Soliprin™ in water before UV irradiation    -   6 Soliprin™ Treatment A-2: treated with topical application of 5        mg/mL Soliprin™ in water after UV irradiation

After three days of UV exposure and treatment, the mice were scored onlevel of erythema (redness) using the following scale: 0—no visibleerythema; 1—very slight erythema; 2—well defined erythema; 3—severeerythema; and 4—tumor formation. Erythema was scored by eye for eachgroup. The results are set forth in FIG. 15. With reference to FIG. 15it can be seen that the control group (Group 1) had severe redness onday 3 (72 hours after the three day exposure to UV radiation). TheSooth-a-caine group also had maximum redness on day 3 (Group 2). Theredness for the Soliprin™ treated groups (Groups 3-6) never exceeded ascore of 2. These scores, though subjective, show that Soliprin™ iseffective in both preventing and treating UV caused skin erythema.

Photographs of representative mice on day four clearly demonstratedifferences between the control group, the Sooth-a-Cain™ treated groupsand the Soliprin™ treated groups (data not shown). The control group andSooth-a-Cain™ treated animals exhibited very extensive patterns andredness of erythema compared to the animals treated with the Soliprin™formulation both before and after UV exposure. The animals treatedbefore UV irradiation with 5 mg/mL Soliprin™ exhibited the least amountof erythema as compared to all of the other animals.

Example 13 Formulation of the Soliprin™ Composition into a Cream

Two different concentrations of Soliprin™ (0.5% and 1.5% by weight ofSoliprin™) (lot#A1904 as described in Example 9) were formulated ascreams as illustrated in the following procedures and in Tables 11 and12.

Soliprin™ (Lot#A1904) was dissolved in water at room temperature andhomogenized with a blender until it was fully dispersed in solution(approximately 5 minutes). At room temperature and without stirring oragitating the solution, Ultrez-21 carbomer was added by sprinkling ontothe surface of the solution and allowing it to fully wet (no white areasvisible) and fall into the solution. With gentle stirring, the solutionwas then heated to 40° C. and glycerin was added (Part A). The mixturewas then stirred for an additional 5 minutes. The remaining components(Part B) were weighed and heated to 40° C. while mixing. At 40° C., theremaining components (Part B) were added to Part A and the resultingcomposition was mixed well until homogenous (approximately 5 minutes).The emulsion was cooled to 30° C. and the pH was adjusted toapproximately 5.5 (5.3 to 5.7) by titrating with neutralizer whilestirring with a stir bar and/or spatula. The emulsion became highlyviscous due to neutralization-induced conformational change of thecarbomer. The emulsion eventually achieved a suitable viscosity for anemulsion cream. The emulsion cream was then mixed until uniform afterwhich it was poured into a clean storage vessel and stored at 2° to 8°C. for one month.

TABLE 11 Ingredient list for a 0.5% Soliprin Cream Phase Ingredient %(w/w) Weight (g) Aqueous Water, Purified 85.00 1275.0 Soliprin(Lot#A1904) 0.50 7.5 Ultrez 21 Carbomer 0.50 7.5 Glycerin 8.00 120.0 OilPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate 3.00 45.0 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 2.67 40.0PH Sodium Hydroxide (18% w/v), 0.00 0.0 Neutralizer Molecular BiologyGrade SUM 7 Ingredients 99.7 1495.0

TABLE 12 Ingredient list in a 1.5% Soliprin Cream Phase Ingredient %(w/w) Weight (g) Aqueous Water, Purified 84.00 1260.0 Soliprin(Lot#A1904) 1.50 22.5 Ultrez 21 Carbomer 0.50 7.5 Glycerin 8.00 120.0Oil PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate 3.00 45.0 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 2.6740.0 pH Sodium Hydroxide (18% w/v), Neutralizer Molecular Biology GradeSUM 7 Ingredients 99.7 1495.0

Example 14 Evaluation of a Soliprin™ Cream for Irritation and Inductionof Contact Sensitization by Repetitive Application to Human Skin

The Soliprin™ was tested on human skin using an adaptation of the DraizePatch Test (Marzulli and Maibach (1977) Contact Allergy: PredictiveTesting in Humans. In Advances in Modern Toxicology, Dermatotoxicologyand Pharmacology. Eds. Marzulli, F. N and Maibach, H. I. 4, 353-372).The test sites were located on the upper arm or the paraspinal region ofthe back. Each test article had an induction site and a challenge site.The induction site was comprised of two sub-sites: an original-site anda move-site. Patches, which contains 0.2 ml of Soliprin cream on eachpatch, were applied repeatedly to the original-site unless asufficiently strong irritation reaction developed, requiring the patchto be applied to the move-site. Patches were applied by a clinicalresearch institute and were removed and discarded by the subjectsapproximately 24 or 48/72 hours later. In the induction phase,repetitive application of the test article to the same site on the skinand a total of 9 induction patches were applied within a 4-week period.The rest period was 10 to 21 days between application of the lastinduction patch and application of the challenge patch. During this timeno test article or any other material was applied to the test area. Atthe challenge phase, the test article was applied to a naive site on theopposite side of the body and discarded by the subjects approximately 24or 48 hours later.

Skin responses to each patch application were examined and graded underlight supplied by a 100-watt incandescent blue bulb according to thedesignated scoring scale. In instances where a strong irritationreaction warranted application of the test article to the move-site,residual scores were be recorded through the end of induction (or untilresolved if reactions persist after induction is completed) for allpreviously exposed sites. All skin reactions were recorded. During thechallenge phase, skin responses were evaluated approximately 48 and 72or 96 hours after patch application. Conclusions, with regard to inducedsensitivity, were derived primarily from the challenge evaluations.

The two Soliprin™ creams prepared in the Example 13 at 0.5% and 1.5%Soliprin™ concentrations were evaluated according to the above protocol.A total of 120 subjects were recruited for each group. Ninety-sevensubjects completed the study for the 0.5% Soliprin™ group and 101subjects completed the study for 1.5% Soliprin™ group. There was noevidence of sensitization reaction for either the 0.5% and 1.5%Soliprin™ creams. For the 0.5% Soliprin™, during induction, sixteensubjects exhibited occasional occurrences of slight to mild erythema(scores of + and/or 1). At challenge, four subjects exhibited slight tomild erythema at 48 hours that cleared by 96 hours. For 1.5% Soliprin™,during induction, twenty-six subjects exhibited occasional occurrencesof slight to mild erythema (scores of + and/or 1). At challenge, onesubjects exhibited slight to mild erythema at 48 hours that cleared by96 hours.

This study demonstrates that Soliprin™ is a safe ingredient that can beapplied topically to human skin at an efficacious concentration withoutcausing irritation or sensitization.

1-44. (canceled)
 45. A method for promoting youthful skin appearance ortexture, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of acomposition comprising a mixture of a Scutellaria extract enriched forFree-B-Ring flavonoids containing baicalin and an Acacia extractenriched for flavans containing catechin, epicatechin or both, whereinthe weight ratio of Scutellaria extract to Acacia extract in thecomposition ranges from 10:90 to 90:10, respectively, wherein theyouthful skin appearance or texture is promoted by inhibitingcyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activity.
 46. The method of claim 45,wherein each of the Scutellaria extract and the Acacia extract isindependently obtained from a plant part selected from stems, stembarks, trunks, trunk barks, twigs, tubers, roots, root barks, youngshoots, seeds, rhizomes, flowers or other reproductive organs, leaves orother aerial parts, or any combination thereof.
 47. The method of claim45, wherein the Scutellaria is selected from Scutellaria baicalensis,Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria radix or Scutellaria orthocalyx.48. The method of claim 45, wherein one or more of the Free-B-Ringflavonoids of the Scutellaria extract have the following structure:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently —H, —OH, —SH, —OR, —SR,—NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺X⁻, a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur,glycoside of a single or a combination of multiple sugars, wherein thesugars comprise aldopentoses, methyl-aldopentose, aldohexoses,ketohexose or derivatives thereof; wherein R is an alkyl group havingbetween 1-10 carbon atoms; and X is hydroxyl, chloride, iodide, sulfate,phosphate, acetate, fluoride or carbonate.
 49. The method claim 45,wherein the Acacia is selected from a Acacia catechu, Acacia concinna,Acacia farnesiana, Acacia Senegal, Acacia speciosa, Acacia arabica, A.caesia, A. pennata, A. sinuata. A. mearnsii, A. picnantha, A. dealbata,A. auriculiformis, A. holoserecia and A. mangium plant species.
 50. Themethod of claim 45, wherein one or more of the flavans of the Acaciaextract have the following structure:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently H, —OH, —SH, —OCH₃,—SCH₃, —OR, —SR, —NH₂, —NRH, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺X⁻, a gallate ester, an acetateester, a cinnamoylester, a hydroxyl-cinnamoyl ester, a trihydroxybenzoylester, a caffeoyl ester, a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur glycosideof a single, or a combination of multiple sugars, wherein the sugarscomprise aldopentoses, methyl aldopentose, aldohexoses, ketohexose orderivatives thereof or dimer, trimer or other polymerized flavans;wherein R is an alkyl group having between 1-10 carbon atoms; and X ishydroxyl, chloride, iodide, sulfate, phosphate, acetate, fluoride orcarbonate.
 51. The method of claim 45, wherein the weight ratio ofScutellaria extract to Acacia extract in the composition is about 12:88,15:85, or 20:80.
 52. The method of claim 45, wherein the improvedyouthful skin appearance or texture is selected from improvedelasticity, enhanced texture, increased flexibility, increased firmness,increased smoothness, or increased suppleness of the skin.
 53. Themethod of claim 45, wherein the youthful skin appearance or texture isselected from reduced wrinkles, reduced saggy skin, reduced lines anddark circles around the eyes, or reduced and delayed aging.
 54. Themethod of claim 45, wherein the subject is a human.
 55. The method ofclaim 45, wherein the composition is administered orally or topically.56. The method of claim 55, wherein the composition is topicallyadministered using a non-sticking gauze, a bandage, a swab, a clothwipe, a patch, a mask, a protectant, a cleanser, an antiseptic, asolution, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a gel or an emulsion, aliquid, a paste, a soap, or a powder.
 57. The method of claim 45,wherein the composition further comprises an excipient that isdermatologically or cosmetically suitable for topical application. 58.The method of claim 57, further comprising an adjuvant, a carrier, aregular or controlled releasing vehicle, or any combination thereof. 59.The method of claim 45, wherein the composition is administered as adermatological or cosmetic formulation comprising from 0.001 weightpercent (wt %) to 40.0 wt % of the extract mixture in a dermatologicallyor cosmetically acceptable carrier.
 60. The method of claim 59, whereinthe dermatological or cosmetic formulation comprises from 0.5 wt % to1.5 wt % of the extract mixture.
 61. A method for promoting youthfulskin appearance or texture, comprising administering to a subject aneffective amount of a composition comprising a mixture of a Scutellariaextract enriched for Free-B-ring flavonoids containing baicalin and anAcacia extract enriched for flavans containing catechin, epicatechin orboth, wherein the weight ratio of Scutellaria extract to Acacia extractin the composition ranges from 10:90 to 90:10, respectively, wherein theyouthful skin appearance or texture is promoted by inhibiting peroxidaseactivity.
 62. A method for improving a condition of the skin, comprisingadministering to a subject an effective amount of a compositioncomprising a mixture of a Scutellaria extract enriched for Free-B-Ringflavonoids containing baicalin and an Acacia extract enriched forflavans containing catechin, epicatechin or both, wherein the weightratio of Scutellaria extract to Acacia extract in the composition rangesfrom 10:90 to 90:10, respectively, wherein the condition of the skin isimproved by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activity. 63.The method of claim 62, wherein the condition of the skin is selectedfrom the group consisting of a sun burn, thermal burn, sensitive skin,acne, topical wound, minor inflammatory condition caused by fungal,microbial or viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus,psoriasis, skin damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation,chemicals, dry skin, dermatitis, and allergy-related.
 64. The method ofclaim 62, wherein the subject is a human.